Matt Cowley Tauranga City Councillor

Last week I outlined Tauranga City Council's decisions on the 2014/2015 Annual Plan. This week's column provides you with another councillor's different point of view – of how we limited next year's budget to a two per cent increase in general rate, included a 4.7 per cent levy on stormwater, and stopped increasing our debt. The following paragraphs are from TCC councillor Gail McIntosh:

Thanks Matt, the annual plan budget results in three types of decisions. Include it in this year's budget for the year commencing July 1, 2014, defer to the 10-year plan to be concluded in early 2015, or leave out all-together.

Many initiatives like outdoor gyms for elders or skate parks for youngsters are great ideas but we don't have the resources to support them at present.

The previous council had included a new wharewaka in the plans for the redevelopment of The Strand waterfront at a cost of $800,000 of ratepayer's money. The wharewaka would house the current waka and a new waka in a building of 150 square metres. I was appalled at the thought of a building the size of a three-bedroom house on the waterfront and the cost to ratepayers, considering TCC's debt.

There were many submissions on proposed changes to the opening hours of pools. Obviously, we didn't understand the aquatics business well but also the user groups need to work together to get the best out of our limited facilities. Apparently, a city our size should have four more swimming pools which are not financially possible just using ratepayer's funds.

The stormwater levy is an area where we had to take an unpopular decision on to be fair to people in flood-prone homes. The marine precinct is exciting and with Bay of Plenty Regional Council's assistance we will make a difference by getting it established, then hopefully exiting the project within three years to allow private enterprise to operate.

The possibility of a hotel on TCC land in Durham St continues to be a dream. We should sell the land and reduce debt.

As we head into the 10-year plan, I hope ratepayers seize the opportunity to make submissions on our ideas and their dreams.