Last week was full-on for Council as we heard people who had submitted to the draft annual/ten year plan and wished to speak to their submission.

It was interesting, informative and the best round of verbal submissions I've listened to. As with written submissions, a wide range of views and opinions were expressed - some wanting no rates or user pays increases at one end of the spectrum to former councillor Mary Dillon advocating an immediate 20% increase. Mary said this 09/10 plan was a considerable step backwards from the 06/16 plan and that this Council treated arts and culture very poorly. Mayor Stuart Crosby quipped there was too much democracy.
An attempt at follow-on humour from his presentation last year backfired on Mike Gardner, who wants it all and wants it now. His offer last year of another $40 a year on his rates wouldn't have put a down payment on the deposit that was required for his wants. This year his offer is $133 a year. Interestingly he got his wish last year and will just about this year and nothing has changed. He could be contributing to the languishing voluntary rates account but doesn't. He lost it at the end where he made some offensive and untrue comments on elected members.

Seeking return
Another submitter from Ngaiterangi Iwi said they were seeking the return of May Street Reserve, Mount Hot Pools Camping Ground, Port and Airport, under Treaty of Waitangi claims. Their position is to reclaim ownership he said. On behalf of Grace Road Neighbourhood Association consultant Keith Frentz wanted rates up. Peter McKinlay, a well known Local Government Consultant who lives in the area, is active in this group. Keith said once the community understood the benefits of rates increases, they would soon come aboard and next election councillors would get elected on the plank of rates rises. I said it would make a great Tui ad. Everyone, including Keith, joined in the laughter.

Paying the piper
Another submitter from Western Bay also wants it all and wants it now. An eloquent presentation for more amenities right now, somewhat deflated when I asked if he was a Tauranga ratepayer and he admitted he wasn't. Oh dear! A new take – he who doesn't pay the piper calling the tune.
Another eloquent and informed presentation from J. Reid, who asked for a $300 - $500 immediate rate increase. He also said that after a few weeks of complaining you would all be grateful and realise the benefits that all the new amenities would bring you.
Ian Cross said he was in a fortunate position compared to some and was prepared to pay more rates. I asked him why he didn't contribute to the Voluntary Rates Account and he said that voluntary donations didn't work and what was required was a definite account that you had to pay.

What a great deal
Presenters in this vein said that the $530 government assistance package for lower income would cover the increase! And if it didn't then Council could just bankroll rates increases, presumably on compounding interest, and get the money when the property eventually gets sold. Compounding interest is not a good idea for the unused capacity of the Southern Pipeline, so I'm told. I'm sure it's certainly not a good idea for people on low incomes where their homes are concerned either!
In a submission the Waikato/BOP Regional Orchestra has a great deal for you: $12,500 in the first year, followed by a 'small increase” next year of $15,000 then another increase the year after of $30,000. We weren't told what it would be after that. I asked about people listening to them paying and was told that if the true cost was charged, people wouldn't go. Oh, okay then. Maybe people don't want a regional paid orchestra. I do note that the Simon and Garfunkel Auckland concert sold out in 17 minutes, with tickets around $250 each. Could be a message in there somewhere.

Co-relation to animal cruelty
The SPCA has had a stray cat problem foisted on the organisation. There is no official responsibility for this problem and the SPCA has it by default but with no funding. The centre got 1561 calls last year, a lot referred from City Council, Regional Council and District Council. The submitter noted the appalling violence some cretins perpetrated on defenceless animals. He noted an old saying: who would do this to a horse would do it to his family. As an ex-policeman, he said there is a definite co-relation to community violence and animal cruelty. Council will meet with other councils and SPCAs for dialogue and action.

Personal attacks on staff
Terry Leeming, usually a constructive submitter, allowed his presentation to descend to unacceptable depths, including a personal attack on staff.
Staff cannot defend themselves in this arena and Mayor Stuart Crosby called Terry to account. Terry undid a lot of goodwill and credibility he had built up with some elected members. Most unfortunate.

Hope for balance
S. Tisch wanted rates increases but only for core essential infrastructure. He said that if things are tough (they are!) then Council could look at reducing the likes of the $7 million library vote to fix the likes of the Chapel Street wastewater overflow from the digester. So as with last week, I'm summarising the wishes of the community as one of balance. Balance between rates increases/restraint on non-essential spending/user fees/ongoing maintenance expenditure and careful forward planning. No-one wants to stop the city development, it's just the speed that's at question.

Lower realm of city charges
A number of submitters stated that Tauranga's rates are in the lower realm of like city's charges. That's not so when all services are included or deducted in the comparison. It's difficult getting a true apples with apples comparison but we're up there, so don't feel left out.

Wishes come true
And to all those who want a rates increase, your every wish is coming true. A proposed 70% or so rate revenue increase over the next 10 years. But you won't get an Opera House, Velodrome, Museum etc. You can buy those yourself.
The Voluntary Rates Account awaits your (significant) contribution! A bit of reality to finish, Southern Pipeline expenses to date – three and a half years – design, consultancy consent process and peer review: $12,756,351. No mistake – you read it right. That's another reason for severe social spending restraint. You can't have it all and have it now with projects like this in the mix. Best staff estimates on costs for Southern Pipeline, seaside walkway route option is $1 million. Breathtaking stuff.