Nelson rates to increase by 9.1pc

The increase, calculated yesterday after councillors decided their spending priorities, is more than the 8.84 percent originally predicted in the Nelson City Council's draft annual plan.

That's largely because, after hearing public submissions, the council decided to hire a new arts and heritage adviser at $50,000 a year and contribute $17,490 to the South Island Varroa Agency.

After yesterday's meeting, chief financial officer Chris Fitchett said the 9.1 percent increase would be confirmed in the next few days. The rise equated to an average of $100 extra for residential ratepayers, he said.

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