The Waitaki District Council has already managed to cut almost 1% from its projected rates rise, with another opportunity tomorrow for councillors to scrutinise the 2010-11 budget.
The council in its long-term plan predicted a 5.86% rates rise next financial year, but at two workshops has reduced that to 4.09%.
Tomorrow, councillors will debate the budget for the first time in public, including items they want included or removed.
The debate will provide the basis for the preparation of a draft annual plan to go to the council for final approval on March 10 before going out for public comment on March 23.
Submissions will close on April 23 and be heard by the council on May 12 and 13, before being debated on May 19, with approval of a final annual plan by June 30.
This financial year, the council has budgeted to spend $23.76 million.
After two days of workshops on February 10 and 17, it proposes to spend $24.73 million in the next financial year, an increase of almost $1 million.
The biggest issue faced by councillors was the reduction in New Zealand Transport Agency subsidies for roading - the "big ticket" item in the council budget.
Roading comprises about 20% of the council's annual budget.
To maintain its roads at existing standards, the council is facing topping up the shortfall in subsidies by $140,000 from rates, but proposes a $90,000 saving in the seal widening-extension budget.
It is also proposing using some of the unspent dividend from its wholly owned company, Whitestone Contracting, to maintain roads.
It has had to find $15,000 to pay for new charges Environment Canterbury plans to impose as a levy to meet the costs of water monitoring.
That will affect the council's rural water schemes, including those for Duntroon, Kurow, Otematata and Omarama.
The council has also had to take account in its fees and charges of a rise in GST proposed by the Government from October, from 12.5% to 15%.
Reductions being considered include deferring for a year the upgrade of Centennial Park and saving $65,000 adjusting the business rate downwards.
