The first step in a short two-week consultation period on a proposed 19% rates increase — and two further options of 27% and 45% - began in Otematata on Sunday. Between 55 and 60 people attended the Waitaki District Council’s first in the round of public meetings and other community engagement at the Lakes centre. Those gathered included Waitaki District mayor Mel Tavendale and eight councillors, four Ahuriri Community Board members, council chief executive Alex Parmley and various council staff. The remainder was largely made-up residents from Otematata and surrounds, with a few from Omarama and at least one from Oamaru. Oamaru Today Facebook page editor Allan Dick travelled up to Otematata to attend the meeting. Mrs Tavendale led the meeting with a presentation which was ...
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