PHOTO: ODT FILESSouthland ratepayers are being forced to consider a 10.15% rates increase as ageing infrastructure inches closer to the "end of the road". The announcement followed the adoption of Southland District Council’s (SDC) Long Term Plan 2021-2031 consultation document, titled It's Time, Southland/Murihiku, at its meeting yesterday. SDC chief executive Cameron McIntosh said council had run out of options to deal with its ageing infrastructure through its assets. "For many years SDC has taken the approach of keeping rates as low as possible for its ratepayers by sweating the assets. The increase to 10.15% would allow the council to maintain its current levels of service and meet current legislative requirements.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 10, 2021 03:22 UTC