A report outlining the agency’s planned funding assistance from 2024 to 2027 was presented at the council’s asset and infrastructure meeting by council roading asset manager Murray Hasler yesterday.
In the report, Mr Hasler said the agency had indicated it would provide $19.716 million for the three-year period.
The amount approved was about $3.3m less than the amount requested by the council.
"The reduced funding will result in a reduction in the level of service able to be provided."
However, the agency had approved $13.257m for the prevention of potholes which was the amount requested by the council.
During the discussion of the report, Cr Phillips said he was very concerned about the areas where the council would not be able to provide the same services.
"If we show negligence in our road maintenance, our signage, who is responsible?"
It was a "major health and safety issue" that should be flagged to the council’s audit and risk committee and chief executive Deborah Lascelles, he said.
Mr Hasler said the council would be responsible.
While some of the flexibility as to how money was used had been removed, council staff could look at ways funding could still be transferred from one activity to another.
The council had applied for $860,000 for walking and cycling improvements but would receive $310,000.
Mayor Ben Bell said he would encourage the community to let the council know when footpaths started to deteriorate so the council could lobby NZTA.
He also suggested the community be informed it was not a council decision that facilities such as footpaths would be under funded.
"It is a directive from government we have no choice over."
