Regional ratepayers will have an increase of 9.59 percent in their general rate after rates were struck by Environment Waikato today. 

The 9.59 percent general rate increase - less than the 9.75 percent predicted in the Strategic Plan - will raise $2.3 million to help pay for the additional work being done in the Region.

That means a proposed increase for most Waikato residents of between about 67 cents and $9 for an average urban property and $5 to $61 on a rural property. General Rates are about one third of the Council’s total revenue, with the balance coming from separate rates, government grants, charges, interest, investments and rents.

The increase paid by individual ratepayers will vary throughout the Region, due to the effects of property valuation changes. In Hamilton city, rates will rise by about $4 on a $200,000 urban property to $120. On a 100 hectare rural property rates will rise by about $5 to about $428. Rises in other areas are:

Waikato District: Urban; $65, up $2, rural; $485, up $13.
Franklin: Urban; $86, up $4, rural; $483, up $12.
South Waikato: Urban; $48, up 67c, rural; $458, up $5.
Taupo: Urban; $64, up $4, rural; $482, up $28.
Matamata Piako: Urban; $63, up $6, rural; $502, up $42.
Waipa: Urban; $78, up $8, rural; $500, up $44.
Rotorua District: Urban; $64, up $2, rural; $478, up $15.
Thames Coromandel District: Urban; $90, up $9, rural; $505, up $43.
Hauraki District: Urban; $68, up $5, rural; $506, up $35.
Otorohanga District: Urban; $59, up $2, rural; $476, up $15.
Waitomo District: Urban; $64, up $8, rural; $508, up $61.

There is no increase in the Biosecurity Rate – a separate works and services rate paid on rural properties over two hectares. Hamilton City residents pay an average $36 for a Passenger Transport rate.

Copies of the Annual Plan can be obtained from Environment Waikato's Freephone 0800 800 401, or from the website www.ew.govt.nz.