The 2023/24 Annual Plan consultation closed at 5.00pm on 27 May 2023. This review allowed us to take a fresh look at the budget and priorities for the year ahead. This included proposed changes in four areas that are different to the budget for Year-3 of the 2021-31 Long-term Plan.
We have received over 140 submissions, which will be tabled with Councillors for their consideration during the hearings and deliberations stage.
The next step will be hearings followed by deliberations on 8 & 9 June, with 14 June as a backup day if required. Councillors will give staff direction to prepare the draft Annual Plan which will be tabled for adoption at the 28 June Council meeting.
There is a 30-day time period allowed for minor tweaks and preparation of the final document for publishing before 28 July.
Residents were invited to share their thoughts on what else we should be doing and what the 2024-34 Long-term Plan priorities should look like.
Feedback was also sought via an online survey.
The consultation document can be found:
- In the Midweek of Wednesday 3 May
- At the Greytown, Featherston and Martinborough libraries and at the Martinborough Council office
- And below
Four questions
We asked for your preferences on:
- WATER BUDGETS: Whether to keep the LTP Year-3 water budget of $3.541 million (including inflation) or increase the budget to reduce legal, health and safety, and plant failure risks;
- RURAL ROADING RESERVE: Whether to keep the current $300,000 annual budget, or to increase it to provide a buffer during times of urgent need;
- POOL OF CASUAL STAFF: Whether to include a budget of $165,000 for a pool of casual Library staff to cover leave, or exclude it, although this will result in libraries being closed more often;
- COMMUNITY AND YOUTH GRANTS: Whether to keep or remove the community and youth grants scheme with a budget of $170,000.
