Following a day’s delay, as Councillors did not get given sufficient time to review the draft document, the consultation document for the 2023/24 Annual Plan was quickly adopted by Councillors on 27 April. The document is now live and we are inviting all members of our community to give their feedback.
This Annual Plan reflects the Year-3 budget of the 2021-31 Long-term Plan. Our environment is no longer what it was when that plan was written and the proposed budget in the consultation document reflects that.
Mayor Martin Connelly says there are some tough financial decisions that need to be made.
“Since the Council’s current Long-term Plan (LTP) was written in 2021, the economic environment we operate in has changed significantly. The increase in rates forecast in the LTP for 2023/24 was 3.19%. However, the costs of services the Council provides to the community (as it has for households and businesses) have increased dramatically since then,” Mayor Connelly said.
“We want you to know that, as ratepayers and members of our community, you have a meaningful role in the decision-making process. This Annual Plan consultation is one such opportunity to have your views heard, and therefore we urge you to make a submission if you have thoughts on the decisions Councillors need to make.”
Mayor Connelly adds “I assure everyone reading this that the consultation will be genuine. We are open to changing our mind after we have listened to what you have to say.”
South Wairarapa District Council is acutely aware of the impact that the recent cost of living increases have had on the community and has tried hard to find a balance between maintaining a reasonable level of service and keeping costs as affordable as possible for ratepayers.
Submissions can be made until 5pm on Saturday 27 May 2023. This can be done via the Council’s website, or by picking up a copy of the consultation document in the Wairarapa Midweek of 3 May, or from any of our libraries or the Council office, also from 3 May.
Anyone wishing to make an oral submission, that is, to speak in person to Council should email submissions@swdc.govt.nz to register their interest.
