Improvements to the district's infrastructure dominate the projects proposed in the Clutha District Council's 2008-09 draft annual plan.
New and improved footpaths, an extra water reservoir and stormwater upgrades will be worked on over the coming financial year, with rates expected to rise 5.13% on average to help pay for the work.
A series of footpath upgrades, valued at $2.6 million, will be the most costly and visible project in the coming year, and a $1.2 million stormwater project in Milton aims to help prevent a repeat of two recent floods in the town.
The other big item will be an additional $613,000 water reservoir in Balclutha to increase storage capacity for the town and reduce its reliance on the Balclutha Bridge pipeline, which supplies water to the northern end of the town.
One of the most contentious plans is the introduction of fluoride into the Milton, Kaitangata and possibly Tapanui water supplies if the Ministry of Health provides the required money.
Referendums last year backed the move, but the council is bracing itself for both opponents and supporters to make submissions on this subject.
The council expects $30.7 million in operating expenditure in the next financial year, but $12.4 million of that will be set aside for depreciation.
It plans $17.9 million in capital spending, and will seek a rate take of $18.4 million.
About 62% of the money will go towards roading services - the district has the country's secondlargest roading network - and about 19% will be spent on water services.
The main sources of the required money will be targeted rates (23%), general rates (15%) and Land Transport New Zealand (20%).
One of its biggest efforts in the coming year will be consultation for the development of its second 10-year long term council community plan, which takes effect from July next year.
Some key areas of spending in 2008-09 include:
- Community leadership ($1.45 million): Increasing youth involvement; lobbying central government on the behalf of the community; and identifying at least one ‘‘research opportunity'' to identify and advance business opportunities.
- Roading services ($20.68 million): Maintenance, renewal and strengthening of bridges at Lovells Flat, Purakanui and Heriot; footpath renewals and upgrades; and letting contracts to seal Karoro Creek and Ahuriri Flat Rds if outside funding comes through.
- Water services ($9.25 million): Adding fluoride to water supplies in Kaitangata, Milton and possibly Tapanui; upgrading water treatment plants if Government funding is approved; a new flood bank, pumping station and reticulation work in south Milton; and consulting on new sewerage systems for Benhar and Tokoiti.
- Sanitary services ($1.28 million): Installing a weigh bridge to better track the amount and types of solid waste taken there; exploration of recycling and waste minimisation opportunities; and the upgrade of toilets at Kaka Point.
Community services ($2.13 million): Refurbishment of the Lawrence Service Centre; and consideration of options for heating and modernising community housing units.
Submissions on the plan will close on May 2.
