Auckland Councillors – “get the message, but a marginal call”

The 10-9 vote that allowed the Auckland Council 10-year budget to be passed and take average household rates to 9.9 percent “may have averted an immediate crises, but long-term it leaves Council with a plan that is clearly not ‘fit for purpose.’”

“But at least none of the councillors abstained,” said Auckland Chamber head Michael Barnett.

“It appears that the last minute message for councillors to make the hard call and vote either for or against the Budget succeeded,” he said.

He suggested that the last minute flurry by councillors who considered abstaining indicates the council long-term consultation process was flawed.

The creep in the size of the rate rise from 2.5 to 3.5 and then 9.9 percent because of the last minute addition of a targeted transport rate leaves Auckland with a Plan and Budget that is clearly not fit for purpose.

“It is very clear to me that insufficient interrogation has been undertaken to examine council’s cost and capital expenditure plans.

“The size of the rate rise is a huge breach of trust with ratepayers, and clear evidence they are failing to manage council’s affairs efficiently and prudently,” concluded Mr Barnett.

ENDS

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