​Council begins to look at districtisation

The Central Otago District Council (CODC) has started the conversation to consider taking a district-wide approach to funding and decision-making on more of its activities and services.

Currently, many of Council’s services (82%) are funded at a district level, such as Roading, Water and Waste disposal. Council is proposing ‘districtising’ the remaining services and activities, which include Parks, Community Facilities, Pools and Property. These services are currently rated at a ward level.

The Council, the four community board chairs and some Board members from the Vincent, Cromwell, Ranfurly and Maniototo wards met Thursday (30 May 2024) to talk about the pros and cons of the proposed ‘districtisation’.

“The CODC is looking at every possible path to address rising costs for local authorities,” CODC Chief Executive Peter Kelly said.

“Taking a district-wide view to strategic decision-making on these activities would help prioritise spending across the district, address long-term affordability as well as simplify the Council’s rating system to give greater transparency for where our rates are spent.”

The Council will be working proactively with community boards through June to hear and understand their views, before the CODC considers a formal paper in July, which will include feedback from community boards. Community opinion will be sought after this, with public consultation currently planned for August 2024. The decision from this consultation will feed into the development of Council’s 2025-34 Long-term Plan.

“This is only the start of the conversation with a key part being the role of the community boards going forward,” Mr Kelly said.

“It is important that we ensure local democracy and community voice is strengthened through this process.”

A recording of Thursday’s workshop is available at: Meeting Recordings - Central Otago District Council (codc.govt.nz).