The Southland District Council is calling on residents and ratepayers to make themselves heard as four key rates, finance and assets policies are reviewed. 

Among the policies under review is the draft revenue and financing policy which, if adopted with proposed changes, could change the way certain activities are rated for in the district, and impact individual property rates. 

While the policy does not affect the total overall rates collected by the council, it does propose several changes designed to better match who pays for services and amenities with who benefits or has access to them. 

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SDC finance development co-ordinator Nicole Taylor said the proposed changes were intended to create a more consistent rating approach across certain services and amenities, and reflected the council’s new community board areas introduced in 2019. 

“The proposed changes are about simplifying the council’s approach to rating and funding,” Miss Taylor said. 

“If the policy is adopted with the proposed changes, it may affect rates for some properties – some will pay less, others more. We really want to understand if the community believes the approaches proposed are the right ones for the district.”

The council is also seeking feedback on its draft procurement policy which outlines the council’s approach to obtaining goods, services and works. 

Relationships with suppliers, achieving public value, a sound business approach and managing risk are all topics the council is seeking public views on within the policy. 

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The draft policy on development and financial contributions is also out for consultation with minor changes set out.

Under the draft policy, development contributions (payment for the impact new developments have on services and infrastructure) would not be charged, as has been the case since 2015.

Financial contributions (a capital charge for works to mitigate the environmental effects of an activity) would continue to be charged. 

The council is also seeking views on its draft significance and engagement policy which outlines the council’s approach to determining the significance of proposals and decisions.

The policy includes criteria the council uses in assessing the issues, proposals and decisions that are significant, and lists assets the council considers strategic assets. 

The public can have its say online at makeitstick.nz or by visiting any Southland District Council office or library. 

Consultation on all four policies is open until 4 December.