Council confirms rates set to rise by 4.57 percent

The rate rise is the increased rate-funding requirement of $14,715,196 for 2005/06 identified in the Draft Annual Plan.

At the meeting where the rise was confirmed, the majority view amongst the councillors was that the 4.57 percent rate rise was realistic, and reflected a careful consideration of options and work plans, given the historical rate of inflation, the community's demand for services and council's need to maintain investment in its infrastructure.

Councillor Broderson said that he had thoroughly analysed the proposed rate increase against factors such as the rate of inflation, fuel costs, tax increases, wage and salary pressure and the rates struck by other councils.

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