By the numbers: Top takeaways from extraordinary meeting

Local News
PUBLISHED: 6 MAY 2020

At the Extraordinary meeting last night, proposed average residential rates increases were halved to about 2.5% for the average home, with a total rates rise of 3.95%. Before Covid-19, the yearly budget was forecasting an average residential rates rise of 4.75% and a total rise of 6.47%.

$300,000 for a feasibility study into expanding the wastewater network to include Urenui, Onaero, Lepperton, Egmont Village and Okato.

$100,000 to fast track stormwater improvements to the Waitara township.

Reduce operational funding for the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery by $400,000.

Management were asked to find operational savings to help reduce debt. 

The following Get Us Back on Our Feet initiatives were  approved:

  • Warmer and greener homes via our expanded Home Insulation Loan scheme, $7.5 million
  • Slashing fees for local businesses including restaurants, hairdressers, cafes and builders, $1.3 million
  • Help for grassroots groups by giving faster access to boosted community funding, $450k
  • Top up to help property owners to enhance main street buildings, $50k

“Buy local” plan to give Taranaki contractors a helping hand by ensuring they get preference when tendering for NPDC work. 

Airport: $1.9 million loan until the end of June when a full options paper will be discussed.

Commercial and community rent relief, $90k.

The plan will be finalised by the Mayor and Councillors at the end of June.