Benhar and Tokoiti are bucking the trend with 103% and 109% increases (from about $1200 to $2500), due to the implementation of sewerage schemes in the townships.
Average rates in Benhar would increase from $1225 in 2011-12 to $2572 in 2012-13 - a 109.9% rise, mostly due to the introduction of a sewerage capital rate of $1015 and an operating sewerage rate of $203.
Rates for the average Tokoiti property would increase from $1206 to $2452 in 2012-13, an increase of 103.2%, also due to the new sewerage scheme. The Tokoiti sewerage capital rate would be $929 and the operating sewerage rate $235.
However, ratepayers in both townships would not have to pay the sewerage capital rate if they chose to pay the lump sum for the scheme.
The average lump-sum payment for Benhar ratepayers is about $12,974 and the estimated cost of the scheme $1.3 million.
Tokoiti's scheme is estimated to cost $710,000, requiring a lump-sum of $11,586 per ratepayer.
Sewage issues in Benhar and Tokoiti had been an unresolved problem for the council for a long time, and finding a way forward had been a very difficult process, Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan said in the draft plan.
"After a lengthy consultation and lively debate around the council table, a pragmatic approach was adopted, which council felt balanced the fact Benhar and Tokoiti ratepayers had a personal responsibility to dispose of their waste, while acknowledging that bearing the costs by themselves would impose costs beyond the means of many," Mr Cadogan said.
Work on the Tokoiti scheme is already under way.
Under the draft version of the plan, rates for the new Benhar sewerage scheme would come into effect on July 1 this year.
However, Clutha District Council communications co-ordinator Jamie Shaw said that because construction of the new Benhar scheme was now not expected to be completed until December 2012, staff would be making a submission to the effect that affected ratepayers were charged a half sewer rate only in 2012-13.
The full rate would come into effect in the 2013-14 year.
The submission would then be decided on by the council during the long-term plan process.
Stirling and Kaka Point townships also face large increases in the next three years, as the council has decided to include them in the wider rating area for Balclutha. This will see an increase in the 2012-13 community services rates for these townships, contributing to Stirling's 9.3% rates rise, and Kaka Point's increase of 7.1%.
A $2 million main street upgrade is also budgeted in the plan for the next year and the council is seeking public feedback.
The upgrade was planned for the 2011-12 year but was deferred until 2012-13 while the council completed consultation with the community and the New Zealand Transport Agency to determine the future of traffic flow through Balclutha.
Potential improvements include new footpath paving, bulbous kerbs, new rubbish bins, tables and chairs and more plantings. Part of Lawrence's recent main street upgrade included undergrounding of power lines, which council staff said made a big difference to the township.
Although it was not part of the plan three years ago, staff recommend that undergrounding of power lines as part of Balclutha's main street upgrade, as well.
The budgeted cost for Balclutha's upgrade is $2.6 million, $400,000 of that for putting powerlines underground.
Submissions to the draft long-term plan close on May 11.
Proposed rates for 2012-13
(based on an average property)
Balclutha: 9.4%
Clinton: 8.9%
Kaitangata: -0.4%
Kaka Point: 7.1%
Lawrence: 3%
Milton: 6.4%
Owaka: 3.6%
Stirling: 9.4%
Tapanui: 2.7%
Waihola: 4.1%
Rural: Varies between 9% and -12.6%
