What is One District: Central Otago?
The Central Otago District Council investigated the 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 was looking to extend this district-wide approach to Council-owned property, parks, cemeteries, pools and museums.
Why was this proposed?
One District: Central Otago was 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.
What were the options?
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.
What was the decision?
Council decision was made on the 25 September 2024. Council voted 9-3 to select Option 2 from the consultation, which agrees to district -wide rating of all council activities including museums, excluding current community board grants, but include a rating adjustment for the Teviot Valley ward to offset pool costs.
Further FAQ:'s on Let's Talk:
FAQs | One District: Central Otago | Let’s Talk Central Otago (codc.govt.nz)