Rates are set to rise so the Hawke's Bay Regional Council can create a million dollar environmental fund.
This was discussed at a council meeting today. While the regional economy was "booming", there were big environmental challenges and council faced difficult choices with its limited resources, a consultation document stated.
So, the council was proposing a one off rates increase to create a $1million "environmental kick start fund to accelerate action on our hot-spots".
These "hot-spots" were identified as Lake Tutira, Ahuriri Estuary, Whakaki Lake and Wairoa River, Lake Whatuma and the Tukituki catchment, Karamu stream and biodiversity.
The council has recently stated its intent to focus on its core responsibilities - rather than fund other projects.
A paper before council stated to create this environmental fund, the rate level would need to be increased over the level included in the Long Term Plan - of 5.51 per cent.
It is proposed the rate level rise to 9.88 per cent. This would come into effect on July 1, after the council had adopted the 2017-2018 Annual Plan.
A consultation document will be released to the public, which covers a range of options - two being rate increases.
An increase of 4.88 per cent would fund the "business as usual" delivery of council services, but not allow the "acceleration" of addressing environmental hot spots.
Increasing rates a further 5 per cent to 9.88 per cent would fast track environmental projects.
The consultation document noted for council to do "the work we need to do now" an additional $20 was needed from each ratepayer - or $1.22 million.
"A further $8 per ratepayer or $500,000 is required to maintain the council's core business, giving us a total average rate rise of $28 per ratepayer for the year".
Examples given with a rate increase of 9.88 per cent - compared to the forecast increase of 5.51 per cent - would mean an additional $33.18 for a home in Havelock North, $29 for Hastings, $25.19 for Taradale, and $3.29 for Flaxmere.
There could be an increase from last year of $16.80 for Central Hawke's Bay, and $15.64 for Wairoa.
- The consultation period begins April 10 and ends May 12.