Balancing ambition and affordability

Let’s talk money. More specifically budgets. Don’t panic, I’m not about to tell you how to run your business, rather offer

some insight into ours.

] by Peter Scott ] ECan Chair

As your regional council, Environment Canterbury is no different to the farms, businesses and households across the region. We all have limits to how much we can spend and limited options to generate earnings to pay for what we want to do.

But there is one important difference. A large chunk of our revenue is collected through rates – targeted and general – which means that we are subject to a higher level of scrutiny of our spending than other organisations.

And, with inflation at such high levels, we’re acutely aware there are limits to what people can afford. We’re feeling the pinch from increased costs as well.

So, when putting together our budget for the next year – our draft Annual Plan 2023/24 – my fellow councillors and I gave staff strong guidance to stick with what we agreed to last year and

by Teanau Tuiono ] Agriculture spokesperson ] for the Green Party

not make any significant changes.

As always, it’s a fine balance. Some want us to do more, faster, while many want us to slow our work programmes due to affordability concerns.

We’re still proposing an ambitious $270 million work programme for the year. That’s a lot of activity and represents a considerable shared investment by our community.

We think we’ve got the balance about right and are proposing a 10 per cent increase in revenue from rates to help fund our work in the 2023/24 year. This is made up of the 4.6 per cent originally indicated for year two of the 2023/24 year in the Long-Term Plan, as well as the increased budget agreed last year for the public transport trial, funding flood recovery and replenishing the general reserve. The actual amount paid by each property will vary.

But don’t just take my word for it. Head online to ecan.govt.nz and read the details yourself in our draft Annual Plan 2023/24. Then let us know if you think we’re on the right track, or if we missed something.

Your input will help us weigh up priorities as we finalise our budgets over the next few months.