A farmer who lives in Chapman Rd near Alexandra is upset his rates bill has soared 40% with changes to ward boundaries.
Lewis McGregor is urging former Earnscleugh ward ratepayers who now find themselves in the Alexandra ward to make a submission to the Central Otago District Council (CODC) draft annual plan.
Ratepayers had been sent a letter by the council advising them there could be changes to their rates as a result of the ward changes.
Lewis McGregor said he faced a 40% increase in his rates going from $1042 to $1412, based on last year's rate take.
The draft annual plan shows a proposed increase of 9.88% and submissions will be considered at the CODC meeting on May 14 and rates will be finalised at the council meeting on June 25.
Mr McGregor is one of three farm owners who are now in the Alexandra Ward, while the people living on lifestyle blocks and vineyards on Earnscleugh Rd remain in the Earnscleugh ward.
The Local Government Commission had altered the boundaries of the Alexandra Ward in 2007 and those changes took effect at the last local body elections in October 2007.
Areas with a close affinity to Alexandra and benefiting from the facilities provided by the Alexandra Ward such as the Molyneux Park and stadium, Molyneux Aquatic Centre and other recreational and cultural facilities were included in the Alexandra ward.
Submissions to the annual plan close on Wednesday, May 7.
