In an unusual request, a group representing Oamaru businesses has asked the Waitaki District Council not to lower their rates.
The plea came yesterday from the Otago Chamber of Commerce's Waitaki representative Fraser McKenzie when the council was hearing submissions on its draft 2010-11 annual plan.
The plan proposes reducing the central business district rate paid by businesses in two zones in Oamaru.
The rate goes towards works, services and facilities which help benefit Oamaru businesses, ranging from special projects through to subsidising cultural facilities and activities.
The rate has built up a healthy surplus, mainly from its contribution to parking, and the council was planning to reduce it.
However, Mr McKenzie wanted the rate to remain at its present level to continue to create a surplus for special projects within the central business district.
If the rate was decreased now, it could be difficult to increase it in the future.
"In a recession, you can either hunker down or get out and spread good cheer.
"Let's not get bogged down talking about a recession, but how we can drive this town forward," he said.
The chamber also made submissions on other issues, including a proposal by the council to close four public toilets - lower Thames St (next to The Last Post), Severn St, Awamoa Park and the main block in the Oamaru public gardens.
That would save about $48,000 a year, off-setting an increase of $53,000 a year to maintain and clean public toilets.
The chamber agreed there were a lot of public toilets in Oamaru and rationalisation could occur.
"However, we are concerned the closures proposed will have a negative impact," it said.
"We don't want, due to a lack of facilities, for central businesses to have to turn up on Monday morning with a mop and bucket to clean up their frontages and doorways," Mr McKenzie said.
There was also a concern the private sector was being left to provide toilets when it should be a core service of the council.
The chamber suggested the toilets in Severn St could be closed, and those at the public gardens if a new facility was built soon.
The figures
Projected rates rise: 1.8%
2009-10 budget: $38.161m
Draft 2010-11 budget: $39.08m
2009-10 rates collected: $23.764m
Draft 2010-11 rates: $24.189m
Total submissions: 204
Verbal submissions: 44
