At an annual plan drop-in session in Alexandra, Central Otago District Mayor Tim Cadogan said people had been keen to understand not just the cost-drivers behind the projected average rate increase of 21.4%, but what the council had done to lessen the impact of the "dreadful increase".
The drop-in meetings with councillors, staff and Mr Cadogan were held in Cromwell, Ranfurly, Alexandra and Roxburgh, along with an online session.
People were keen to discuss what could be done without, he said.
In Alexandra, people had questioned whether community projects — which had previously had massive support — should still go ahead.
"We’ve got to pull things in, but we don’t want to take the joy out of things," Mr Cadogan said.
The Three Waters — drinking, sewage and waste — accounted for $5.6million of the $9.9m rates increase. Insurance costs had doubled in three years, and interest rates tripled in the same time.
Bridge building costs — and Central Otago, like neighbouring councils, had many ageing bridges — had increased 38% in the past three years, and operating costs for roading had gone up 57% in the same time.
Of each $100 paid in rates the top three chunks went to water supply ($17.39), wastewater ($15.87) and roading ($13.59).
Libraries and services centres accounted for $3.58 and pools $6.93 out of the $100.
