Feedback will help form rating review proposal
Feedback will help form rating review proposal for Draft Long Term Plan
Horowhenua District Council is now
considering public feedback as part of a review to its
rating system and to help form a proposal for the Draft Long
Term Plan 2015 - 2025.
Council has sought feedback on an initial suggestion to change from land value to capital value-based rating.
Chief Executive David Clapperton says he can assure ratepayers that no decisions to do so have been made and that the pre-consultation, although not a legal requirement, has been undertaken simply to help form a rating proposal in the Draft Long Term Plan. Full consultation will happen next March and April when the public can make formal submissions and have the opportunity to present their submissions to Council in person.
"It will be the outcome of the submission process next year that will determine the rating system Council will use," Mr Clapperton said.
"Council is legally required to review its rating system and we're doing so to determine the most appropriate option for the present and future needs of the District."
Currently, general rates and the roading and stormwater rates are calculated based on the land value of a property. Under capital value, rates would be calculated on the value of the land plus what is built on the land, such as a house, a shop or factory. The total amount of rates levied in any particular year by Council would not change, just how rates were divided amongst property owners.
As part of the recent pre-consultation, several meetings were held and with various interest groups invited, including residents and ratepayers associations, community associations, rural residential and residential ratepayers groups, iwi groups, and businesses.
Information on the rating review proposal is available online at www.horowhenua.govt.nz/ratingreview
Anyone concerned about how a change to the rating system may affect them is welcome to contact Council on 06 366 0999 or enquiries@horowhenua.govt.nz
ENDS