A further 17 properties could join the Tokoiti sewerage project, potentially reducing the cost for most connections by more than $1000 each, despite increasing the overall project cost.
At its meeting on Thursday, the Clutha District Council's district assets committee approved a proposal requesting an extension to the project.
In March, more than 40 Milton and Tokoiti residents attended a public meeting with councillors and staff from the Clutha District Council and the Otago Regional Council. Several Milton residents with properties between Milton and Tokoiti but not connected to a public sewerage scheme expressed interest in joining the Tokoiti project and asked Clutha council staff to provide more information.
The inclusion of the 17 properties would bring the total estimated cost of the project to $952,000, up from the previous estimate of $710,000.
However, adding the extra 17 properties to the Tokoiti sewerage scheme would reduce the capital lump sum from $11,536 to $10,400 for properties not fronting on to Tokoiti Rd, the "core" Tokoiti scheme properties.
The cost for owners of properties offered the discounted rate of $8000 would remain at that price.
A final decision on the extension of the Tokoiti sewerage project will be made by the council on May 31, when it meets to decide changes to the draft long-term plan before it is adopted on June 14.
