Clevedon residents will be asked for their views on a targeted rate so they can connect to a new reticulated water system in the area.
Franklin Local Board will ask for the rate, which would allow residents to borrow and repay a loan through their rates, to be included in the consultation on Auckland Council’s annual budget 2020/21.
That will give residents the chance to give their feedback on the opt-in scheme.
Board member Angela Fulljames says the board supports a rate to be used to repay loans that are part of a finance option for about 60 of the 138 existing properties that could connect to a reticulated water network.
She says the board wants Healthy Waters to continue to work with Watercare and the community so more properties that can’t now access the network can connect.
Watercare is installing a reticulated wastewater and water supply through the Clevedon Village to support planned growth in the village.
“Auckland Council wants property owners to connect because it ensures safe and reliable drinking water and 138 properties that now have private water supply and wastewater systems, will have the opportunity to connect, but the costs could be as high as $50,000,” Ms Fulljames says.
“Not everyone has that kind of money sitting about.”
About 60 properties have asked about a payment plan to spread connection costs over a longer time-frame.
Watercare has written to Auckland Council asking for a loan repayment targeted rate option for infrastructure connections to be included in annual budget consultations.
“Any rate would provide a finance option for those who wanted to connect, allowing for financial assistance up to $50,000 repaid through their rates bill over a term of up to 15 years,” Ms Fulljames says.
If a proposed rate is adopted, it will be available for eligible property owners to apply to from the start of the 2020/2021 financial year.
