Tasman District ratepayers face higher-than-planned rate rises

Tasman District ratepayers face funding a rates revenue​ hike of either 5.5 per cent or 7.7 per cent in 2022-23 – well above a planned increase of 4.17 per cent.

As part of a draft resolution for a council meeting on Thursday, elected members are asked to note that 4.17 per cent – as outlined in the Long Term Plan 2021-31, which was only adopted nine months ago – is “not now a practical option”.

They are also asked to agree to send those two options for higher rate revenue rises – of 5.5 per cent or 7.7 per cent – out for public consultation from April 4 to May 4.

Key drivers for the proposed hike include a budget increase for the Waimea dam project of more than $26 million on the LTP estimate – from $158.4m to $185m; an additional $1.25m to meet the minimum requirements of the Water Services Act and an increase in volumetric water rates for urban ratepayers to offset an expected drop in demand from industrial users.

The proposed consultation document points out that the council supplies water to some large industrial users in the Nelson City Council area.