Mary-Ann Mathis (Tokoroa Branch Chair) and Hilary Walker (Regional Policy Advisor) are preparing to speak to South Waikato District Council on behalf of Federated Farmers next week to reiterate concerns we have with their draft Long Term Plan. Long Term Plans are important documents because they set council spending priorities and funding policies for the next ten years. They relate directly to the amount of rates farmers pay. Rates are South Waikato’s main funding source, amounting to about 70% of total revenue. This means ratepayers are highly vulnerable and must bear the burden of council decisions more directly than Councils who benefit from more varied funding sources. Rural Ratepayers in South Waikato pay on average four times more for council services than other property types who are connected to more council services. Rates are projected to increase by over 7% a year for the next few years and Council is looking to introduce changes which will shift more of the rates burden onto rural ratepayers. This disparity is created by an over reliance on the general rate to fund activities that everyone benefits from equally. Feds submission and the hearing presentation is letting Council know where changes can be made to provide more equitable outcomes and ensure spending priorities and debt levels remain prudent.
Our full submission can be reviewed on the right.