The Rates Increase
Many of the cost increases we are experiencing are beyond our control. They include things like increased energy costs to run our pools and other facilities, insurance costs, and new costs such as compliance monitoring to meet water quality standards.
One of the new costs is the four-bin kerbside rubbish collection. In the 2021– 2031 Long Term Plan we consulted and agreed on the new kerbside service, which starts in July 2024. The cost of that is a 4.4% rates increase, or $301.50 per household, making it about $5.80 per week. But you’ll have great new services such as garden and food waste collection, and you won’t have to buy any more DCC black plastic rubbish bags.
We are proposing a rates increase of 13.1%, plus 4.4% for kerbside collection services. This decision follows an extensive review of our operations and budgets, while also reflecting our commitment to the city’s wellbeing today and into the future.
We understand that this increase is challenging. We have options for paying your rates in smaller amounts, like a weekly or fortnightly direct debit payment. More information can be found online at dunedin.govt.nz/rates, or call us on 03 477 4000.
Community Housing
The Dunedin City Council has 940 units in its Community Housing portfolio which are prioritised for people aged over 55 years and in urgent need of housing. The portfolio complements other social and community housing providers in the city that prioritise other groups, e.g., families.
The draft Annual Plan 2024–2025 budget for Community Housing is based on an 11% ($14 – $25 per week) increase in rent. An 11% increase in rent would cover the increased cost to operate the portfolio, including rates, insurance, and the new kerbside collection service.
Tell us what you think by making a submission on the draft 2024–2025 Annual Plan.
Tenants will be consulted with directly and as part of the consultation. Staff will report back to Council with a summary of feedback during deliberations in May 2024.
Hockey Turf Replacement
We’re thinking about the most cost-effective way that the two hockey turfs at Logan Park can be upgraded so they continue to provide good facilities for our community.
The turfs are currently owned by the Otago Hockey Association, and the Council provided funding to assist the Otago Hockey Association Inc to build them in 2009 and 2012. They are now nearing the end of their useful life and need an upgrade.
The Association and the Council think the most cost-effective way to do this is for Council to take ownership of the turfs, borrow money to upgrade them, and then lease them back to the Hockey Association. What do you think?
