Brian Steele (Te Aroha Chair), Mike Garrud (Morrinsville Chair) and Hilary Walker (Policy Advisor) attended the Matamata-Piako District Council draft Long Term Plan hearing on behalf of Federated Farmers today. A Long Term Plan sets Council spending priorities and funding policies for the next ten years. The Council’s proposals are going to land much more heavily on rural ratepayers with an average farm set to experience a 14% increase next year in comparison to an average of 6% for commercial and 9% for urban. This disparity is created by an over reliance on the general rate to fund activities that everyone benefits from equally. Our submission and presentation let Council know where changes could be made to provide more equitable outcomes and ensure spending proprieties and debt levels remain prudent.
Our full submission can be reviewed on the right.