The Clutha District Council recorded a deficit of nearly $1 million in the 2010-11 financial year.
The year had been a challenging one, with a highlight the sewerage treatment upgrades for five townships in the district, Mayor Bryan Cadogan said in the annual report.
The Gabriels Gully Goldrush 150th Celebrations also "projected our district in an extremely positive light," he said.
The council reported a deficit of $959,259 for the year ended June 30, about $40,000 more than the forecast deficit of $918,000.
A large part of this was due to an increase in operating expenditure, which was up from $31.1 million in 2010, to $37.3 million this year.
The council contributed $2.5 million to the building of the Cross Recreation Centre, and a further $90,000 towards the centre's car park.
Roading was $895,000 over budget, with the council spending a total of $18.1 million on maintaining and improving the roading network.
Repairs were needed at a number of places in the district including Karoro Creek and Bull Creek, due to adverse weather conditions.
The Tawanui Bridge in the Catlins was replaced at a cost of $730,000 although the council secured 70% funding from the New Zealand Transport Agency.
Chief executive Charles Hakkaart said the report showed a good overall result for the council.
During the year to June 30, Mr Cadogan was paid $52,510, with councillors paid between $7962 and $23,415 during the same period. Chief executive Charles Hakkaart received a salary of $207,290, up from 2010's figure of $203,087.
• The council voted unanimously at yesterday's council meeting not to create a Maori ward in Clutha. It also adopted a bylaw creating an annual ban on the possession of glass drinking vessels on the Kaka Point foreshore from December 1 to January 31, and Moana St from December 30 to January 2 each year.
The changes are due to take effect on November 12 to allow public notification.
