Councillors' wish list could push rates up to 8%

They are likely to be getting the news shortly that the North Shore City Council is proposing a 2.9 per cent rates rise this year. Last year it signalled it was likely to be about 5 per cent.

However, before residents will also be a wish-list of more than 14 further proposals totalling $299 million over the next 10 years.

If some of the projects are added to the coming year's budget the rates increase will be bigger. Include them all and rates will rise about 8 per cent.

The list includes such vital spending as improving the stormwater and wastewater network so the council can get essential consents from the Auckland Regional Council, as well as undergrounding power and phone lines, tackling roadside weeds, funding shopping centre improvements and promoting economic and tourism development.

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