Over the next 10 years we are proposing a rates increase of an average 6.47% each year. The proposed increase in what we collect in rates for 2024/25 is 9.9%. This revenue will cover the costs of our budget, pay back debt, and store some away for future renewals (also called depreciation).

It doesn’t mean everyone’s rates will increase by this amount though.

In 2021, rates revaluations were completed for all properties in our district. These valuations consider the trends in market value for properties and provide us with the land and capital values that we calculate your rates on.

The graph shows on average how much a property will pay towards Council services. This will differ according to the areas identified below, but provides a rough breakdown of what your rates go towards.

Everyone’s rates are different. How much you pay depends on:

• where you live
• changes to the capital value of your property
• the type of property you have (e.g. rural or residential)
• the services your property receives (e.g. drinking water, kerbside rubbish collection)

Certain Council services are funded through fees and charges, such as using the EA Networks Centre, getting building consents, or applying for a liquor licence. To cover the costs of providing these services, most charges are proposed to increase by around 6% (compared to 2023/24 charges).

Some fees, specifically animal control and food licensing are proposed to increase by a higher amount - 7% and 12% annually over the next five years. This is proposed to ensure the users of these services are those paying for the costs of providing them. At present, the general ratepayer is contributing more than they should towards these services.

We are proposing the introduction of a new fee structure for EA Networks Centre memberships to simplify the existing complicated system, increase use of the facilities and remove barriers to participating.

The new structure will offer a facility-wide membership only, with an adult membership at $20.30 per week and $17.30 for discounted memberships (seniors, students, corporates and community services cardholders). In addition, all members could receive a discount if they commit to a membership of six months or more.

There have been discussions on the increase and composition of the Aeronautical Charges, including the proposal to change the previous “touch and go movements” charge into a ‘fixed wing training circuit” charge, which will increase from $3.00 per movement to $10.00 (per 20 minutes).