After three days of discussion, the proposed rates increase in Dunedin remains at 9.8%. Council staff presented draft budgets to councillors, who made few changes to the proposed programme this week before public consultation about the draft 10-year plan, starting in March. "We currently have some of the lowest rates of any city in the country, and the new financial strategy still has us sitting below average," he said. Staff would still need to find $4million of savings to keep the proposed rates rise down to 9.8%. The new capital includes projects such as the Mosgiel Pool, the South Dunedin library and "investing in a 21st century transport network".

Source: Otago Daily Times January 29, 2021 14:26 UTC