Ratepayers may be in for a 5% rates rise

The Whangarei District Council will be discussing this week whether to increase rates or increase the uniform annual general charge by $20 to cover the costs of major projects that are in the pipeline.

WDC administration and finance committee chairperson Robin Lieffering says the council needs to raise an extra $1.8 million this year if projects, such as the library, revamped swimming pool and new roading around the Town Basin and Dent Street area, are to go ahead.

However not all residents will pay higher rates as changes in property values mean some rates will decrease. Council's chosen option will go into the Long Term Council Community Plan, that lists all the things council plans to achieve over the next 10 years, for public consultation this month. Submissions will be heard in June and rates will be struck in July.

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