Please ignore the requests for  financial contribution  for signing this petition This is a standard request from the app I am using

AN OPEN LETTER TO BE SENT TO WAIMAKARIRI COUNCIL FROM YOUR COMMUNITY

We note in the media that the Council has decided to increase current rates by 9.39% for this coming year

We have reviewed the process that was undertaken to come up with this figure and have some real concerns about how much notice the Councilors have taken of the public feedback that forms part of this process

 To support this argument, we would comment as follows-:

1.        A significant number of submitters commented on the current economic situation and affordability and yet despite receiving this feedback the Councilors increased the proposed rates from 8.94% to 9.39% after this feedback

2.         Decision has been made to progress the $ 21m Library project despite 61% of the submissions saying No

3.        Decision has been made to progress the preferred and more expensive  Option A  for the Environmental Strategy despite only 39% of submissions agreeing

4.        Decision has been made to invest in the Lineside Road property despite significant opposition to this We note that this investment formed part of all 3 options provided to the public and the public needed to specifically negate this regardless of which option they took  We note that 40 people did this and we find this at best misleading

5.        Decision made to proceed with the additional cricket pitch at Coldstream despite majority  of the submissions opposing this

6.        There was no discussion at the meeting about the significant increase in staff costs and what this represented There appears some confusion amongst the Councilors as to whether the increase relates to 9 or 23 staff, a difference of $1.8m +

7.        There is provision in the Plan for an average 5.9% ( $2.2m )  increase in current staff remuneration despite the current employment environment and the fact that most economists are suggesting inflation at 3% for this coming year

8 Proposed increase in staff costs represents more than 50% of the overall proposed rates increase

it was interesting to note that what was set down as a 2 day meeting ( with a layday )  to review the submissions and decide on the final LTP was finalised in a day and whilst this is efficiencies at their best we do question  the level of debate that should have surrounded such a meeting , particularly in light of such decision-making ultimately  ignoring community feedback on key matters

We THE UNDERSIGNED as members of your Community question whether this current process is in line with the current Council Values of

 We'll keep you informed

We'll do better every day

We'll take responsibility

We'll act with integrity, honesty and trust 

We'll work with you and each other

Please ignore the requests for financial contribution for signing this petition This is a standard request from the app I am using