Statement on Otorohanga District Council's financial performance

7 DECEMBER 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

In a media release issued on 5 December 2017 the Taxpayers’ Union pointed out that Otorohanga District Council’s personnel costs per ratepayer are much higher than both the national average and the average for similar rural councils.

For the avoidance of doubt, Otorohanga District Council’s personnel costs as contained in Ratepayers’ Report are $1,737 per residential ratepayer. The average for rural councils is $1,339 per residential ratepayer, and the national average is $1,220 per residential ratepayer.

Otorohanga District Council have requested that we clarify that the figure is per residentialratepayer and issue this statement.

“While the Council is one of only two councils which won’t implement an Audit and Risk Committee to scrutinise Council finances, it appears to have the time to go over the numbers of those who hold it to account,” points out the Union's spokesperson, Jordan Williams.

Ratepayers' Report, local government league tables are available at www.ratepayersreport.nz.

A petition relating to the introduction of an Audit and Risk Committee at Otorohanga District Council is available at www.taxpayers.org.nz/audit_and_risk_committees.

ENDS

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