A tourism industry levy to help pay for promotion was the hot topic at a meeting in Omarama last week to discuss the Waitaki District Council's long-term community plan.
The levy has already caused controversy in Oamaru and was opposed at a public meeting of those involved in the industry.
The council planned to introduce it from July 1, but decided to delay it a year until the 2010-11 financial year.
However, that did not satisfy Omarama tourism operators at the meeting who were "vehemently opposed" to the levy, Ahuriri Community Board chairman Craig Dawson said.
Mr Dawson, who chaired the meeting, said about 20 people were present, including farmers, business people and residents.
The major issues were the tourism levy and the cost of upgrading water supplies to meet Ministry of Health standards.
Some questioned the need for upgrading water supplies and whether the cost could be spread over a longer period.
A proposed reduction in the amenity rates paid by Kurow, Otematata and Omarama for work in their towns was generally opposed because it was felt the rate would have to rise again later.
The Department of Conservation's purchase of high country land in the area and non-payment of rates, especially when it created the need to upgrade or more frequently maintain roads, was also raised.
The Omarama meeting was the first of six planned by the council around the Waitaki district to discuss its 10-year long term council community plan.
The plan sets budgets and rates for the next 10 years.
Other meetings, starting at 7pm, are at the Oamaru Club, Thursday, Palmerston Sports Hall, April 7; Hampden Community Hall, April 8; Five Forks Community Hall, April 9.
