At full council on Tuesday the principle item was supposed to be striking of the rate but this was eclipsed by a debate on an issue brought out of the confidential section relating to Councillor Hayden Evans, a property he owns and a contract for a water pipeline across his property.

Council staff negotiated over a number of years, in a somewhat surprising move recommended to full council that, in addition to a normal payment for an easement, Cr Evans be awarded the position of Engineers Representative on site for three hours a day. This work would be over 10 weeks at $150 per hour for an estimated total of $13,000. Murray Guy moved, seconded Catherine Stewart that the staff recommendation be accepted. Murray asked why, this being such a relatively small matter, it had come to council in such detail.
CEO Stephen Town explained as Cr Evans was one of the CEO's employers there was a requirement of openness and transparency over and above the norm. Mayor Stuart Crosby said the standards for elected members were high to remove the connotation of jobs for the boys.
Wayne Moultrie raised the spectre of a public perception of an elected member being paid twice, once as an elected member, then again as a contractor. Wayne said there was an additional matter of any payment made not being tied to Hayden Evans unpaid outstanding rates. In his right of reply, Murray Guy said it was not a big deal to the public and resistance from other elected members had more to do with skulduggery and politicking and he was certain Hayden intended meeting his rates obligations. The resolution was lost 7-3 with Bill Grainger, Murray Guy and Catherine Stewart in support. Staff requested guidance on a way forward. It was suggested three prices for the work be called for and Hayden would be eligible to compete for the work. Competition was the key, along with openness and transparency at the heart of the matter. Hayden declared an interest and took no part in the discussion and remained in the public gallery.

Council looks long term
The Long Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP) for the next 10 years was approved unanimously. Of course really it's only a three year plan because it gets done over again in three years time. But it does include this year's annual plan together with a funding requirement (your rates). This went through 10-1 with Catherine Stewart saying no to funding at the vote. The LTCCP received a formal acceptance without qualification from Audit NZ so the $150 (including GST) the average rate will go up placated the 'system”. We are now officially 'sustainable” as a city but some people will find this increase 'unsustainable”. We should have taken a leaf out of EBOP's budget book. You may recall they trumpeted a nil rate increase. This was only in reference to one part of their budget. After an around 17 per cent increase last year, this year Tauranga ratepayers will pay a 15.6 per cent rate revenue increase to EBOP. Comparisons are odious but at 10.9 per cent Tauranga City did okay. Not really. All this is unsustainable to a lot of folk.
Those on low incomes should ring the City Rates Department to check eligibility for the $500 or so rates rebate scheme. Council will also look at schemes to delay rates for low income homeowners until a property is sold. Other councils do this.
I have experience with this system, which is effectively borrowing against the home – with compounding interest effects – and I don't like it. However, for some people it may provide financial relief. This budget provides for $4.383 million in additional debt reduction a year and everything is forecast to be hunky dory until 2011/2012 when development contributions, which plunged dramatically this year, are budgeted to go from $11.507 million 2009/2010 to $29.785 million. I'm no gambler but I admire the optimism that this financial downturn will return to 06/07 levels in 2-3 years. It may even make a good Tui advertisement.
Growth has never paid for growth in its entirety. It's a nice thought but like the zero solid waste target by 2015, it is pie in the sky. At least growth contributes, significantly in some instances, but it's the long suffering ratepayers who have always been there and always will be while the government legislates for a compulsory tax over property to fund communities.

Truckin' on
At Transportation Taskforce we heard the government is moving rapidly to increase the tonnage of heavy trucks from 44 tonnes to 53 tonnes and increasing length from 20 metres by two or three metres. This will be on a permit basis for certain trucks/trailers over certain roads. This is very alarming especially for people who live in places like Moffat Road. This is a connector road between two state highways and some residents cannot cope with existing traffic.
No mucking around with this government. We were told it's a done deal to improve economy and efficiency of moving freight. Unlike the previous government there will be no cross subsidy between freight modes. Remember when rail was heavily subsidised? There is likely to be more pressure on roads and associated safety issues.

Stop the bus
The new bus service starts end of June. New fares and new timetables, new buses.
Check your route if you use buses regularly. For instance, a formerly 10 minute or so ride in from Matua will now take 20 minutes. There is bound to be initial disruption and confusion so check routes. All this is at the behest of Environment BOP (EBOP) the regional council who fund the local bus service via your EBOP rate.