The first of two deliberations meetings on submissions to the Whakatāne District Council’s 2019/20 draft Annual Plan has been completed, with provisional agreement reached on proceeding with the eight key changes set out in the Annual Plan Consultation Document.

Mayor Tony Bonne says there was a large measure of agreement amongst Council elected members on the merits of the proposed changes, although some conditions will apply. 

"The intention to introduce a targeted rate for CBD properties, as requested by the EPIC (Events Promotion Initiatives and Community) group, is subject to its constitution as an incorporated society and the development of satisfactory performance measures; and the proposal to accelerate road safety and active transport projects is also subject to confirmation of NZ Transport Agency funding," he says. "The intention to enclose the outdoor pool at the Whakatāne Aquatic Centre has been confirmed, although the final decision will require further Council consideration, once the installation costs are confirmed through the tender process."

Mayor Bonne says elected members also supported making the enclosed outdoor pool available for public use during the winter months, rather than restricting access to sports clubs. However further work needs to be done to confirm opening hours, based on the impact on the facility's operating costs.

Other recommendations adopted at last week’s annual plan submissions deliberation meeting included the intention to include the following proposals in the final Annual Plan:

• The Whakatāne Town Regeneration proposal (a $250,000 contribution from general rates and $200,000 from the Harbour Fund);
• Earthquake strengthening of the Whakatāne District War Memorial Hall ($550,000 to be loan-funded and repaid  through general rates);
• Implementing a managed retreat from the debris flow hazard on the Awatarariki Stream fanhead at Matatā (subject to the Government and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council each meeting one-third of the $15.06 million project cost); and
• Responding to additional funding of $438,000 required for water and wastewater service costs.

The Council also confirmed its intention to change the way its financial strategy debt limit is calculated. Mayor Bonne says the proposed change to a revenue-based calculation would allow more flexibility in funding important projects. "This doesn't change the need to be financially prudent, but it does mean that future councils would be able to consider investing in projects which deliver major intergenerational benefits for our community, which would not be possible under the current debt limit approach."

A further deliberations meeting will be held on 5 June to consider any other changes proposed in public submissions, or via the Council management report. Mr Bonne says the proposed changes considered to date would require an average rates increase across the District of 4.16 percent. "That's very close to the 4.2 percent rates increase cap set out in our financial strategy, so the likelihood is that any new spending proposed would have to be offset by a saving somewhere else."