A forecasted $525 million dollar hole in Auckland Council’s budget for next year caused by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, means there will need to be a whole range of cuts to services, projects, environmental programmes, and grants funding that will have an impact on Waiheke says Waitematā and Gulf Councillor Pippa Coom.
Councillor Coom says Auckland Council is taking pro-active measures to address its unprecedented financial situation resulting from the COVID-19 crisis and has already found substantial savings, however additional cuts are inevitable.
“We’re already tracking towards $120 million dollars’ worth of savings for next year by severely cutting back numbers of temporary and contracted staff and we’re currently reviewing out operating model to make further staffing cuts.
“On top of that, the mayor, councillors, chief executives and CCO board chairs have also accepted pay reductions of 20 per cent.
“In addition, staff and board members earning over $100,000 dollars per year, have taken voluntary pay cuts of up to 10 per cent.
“But we need to do more; and this is where we face tough decisions as we try to balance our budget, while still maintaining the services relied upon by communities across the region, including on Waiheke.
“On Waiheke, the council looks after 112 local parks, two regional parks, two sports parks, five community places, four cemeteries, 30 public toilets, 25 community leases, one arts and culture space, one animal shelter and one much-loved library.
“All of these spaces and places are important to the community and contribute to the well-being of Waiheke residents.
“The Emergency Budget consultation closes this Friday and I urge Waiheke residents to speak up and tell us what’s important to you and your community.
“Do you support the previously agreed 3.5 per cent average general rates increase, or a lower increase of 2.5 per cent? The 2.5 per cent option would require greater cuts in spending with $10 million less investment in community assets and further cuts to the transport budget for projects to renew and make Waiheke’s roads safer. Where do you think cuts are acceptable and what do you want to see prioritised?
“The more information we have about what’s important to residents, the better able we are to make the right decisions for the island and for the whole Auckland region,” says Councillor Coom.
To have your say, visit akhaveyoursay.nz/emergency-budget
You can also provide feedback via social media using the hashtag #AKHaveYourSay, at your local library or service centre, by calling 09 301 0101 or by requesting a feedback form and returning it to the freepost address.
You have until 19 June to have your say.
