Rates rise expected to be less than 2pc

CONSULTATION: Rangitikei District Council is seeking feedback on its draft annual plan.

Rangitikei's rates increase this year is expected to be a touch under 2 per cent, with the district council releasing its draft annual plan last week.

During consultation for the next month, the council wants feedback on the future youth services in the district, a proposed new amenity block at Taihape Memorial Reserve, and providing support to a multi-use sports turf in Marton.

It also wants feedback on whether it should bring forward a Marton civic centre development.

Rangitikei mayor Andy Watson said there were a number of reasons for the relatively low projected rates rise.

"First of all, we're a fairly lean and efficient council so that goes a far way towards it," he said.

Mr Watson said some capital work was delayed due to last year's June flood which, combined with low interest rates, had also helped keep the projected increase down.

"Our major work programme is still on track so our projected rate increases for the following year won't actually be hugely affected."

Mr Watson said depending on what residents wanted, the increase may be bumped up a little.

Meanwhile, 12 public meetings have been scheduled around the district to discuss the annual plan with details available at www.rangitikei.govt.nz/annualplan16-17. A copy of the proposed annual plan 2016/17 consultation document will be available at the meetings, on the council website, at council offices, local libraries and information centres. Submissions close at noon, May 6.