One District: Central Otago

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What is One District: Central Otago?

The Central Otago District Council is investigating an option of moving to a district-wide approach for funding and decision-making (districtisation). Council currently fund and manage many of our activities at a district level, such as drinking water, wastewater, stormwater (three waters), roading and waste. This project is looking to extend this district-wide approach to Council-owned property, parks, cemeteries, pools and museums. This proposal may also change the role of the Community Boards and how they interact with Council.

Why is this being proposed now?

One District: Central Otago is proposed to ensure Council continues serving all of Central Otago's communities with a united approach that prepares us for the future. At the moment Council has very few ways to fund what it has to do. CODC has to rely heavily on rates, fees and charges and debt to pay for the services it provides. This year the average rates rise was 18.3 per cent but because of the costs primarily in water supply and waste management, for many in our towns that was near to and sometimes over 30 per cent where those towns have reticulated water and wastewater and wheelie bin services. Such increases are not sustainable, which is why a different approach is being considered.

What are the options?

We're seeking community feedback on three options that are being considered:

Option1: Full districtisation of property, parks, cemeteries, pools and museums.

Option 2: Districtise property, parks, cemeteries, pools and museums, but include a rating adjustment for the Teviot Valley Ward to offset pool charges.

Option3: Status quo, no change. Property, parks, cemeteries, pools and museums continue to be funded by ward rates.

How can I learn more?

The One District: Central Otago Consultation Document will provide a bit more information about this proposal, the potential impact on each ward and explain the three options that will be presented for feedback. This document has not been considered by Council, so is subject to change prior to the consultation period, which closes on Saturday, 31 August 2024. If you have specific questions that the documents on this page do not answer, please email your query to districtisation@codc.govt.nz.

How can I get involved?

To have your say, complete the survey below (registration is required) or pick up a copy of the survey from any Council office or library before 31 August. To learn more, please come to a community meeting near you. Each community meeting will begin with a brief presentation, followed by an opportunity to ask questions. An online forum will also be available for those who cannot attend a community meeting. Mayor Tim Cadogan, other councillors, community board members and staff will be present. The schedule for those meetings is below:

All submissions, including details of submitters will be made public via council agenda. Please read our privacy policy before you begin.