Delivering a balanced budget while continuing to invest in Dunedin’s core infrastructure are significant achievements in difficult times, Mayor of Dunedin Jules Radich says.
The Dunedin City Council met this week to make changes to its draft 9-year plan 2025-34, which is now due to be adopted at a Council meeting on 30 June 2025.
The plan includes a rates rise of 10.7% for 2025-26, slightly higher than the 10.5% consulted on, which Mayor Radich says is a concern.
“I acknowledge this will make a tough situation worse for some people in our community, and that is regrettable. I spent much of this week urging my colleagues to take a tougher line in favour of fiscal discipline, but I am only one vote around the table.”
Despite that, Mayor Radich says the plan does provide for an ambitious capital expenditure programme, the great majority of it focused on core infrastructure, while also delivering a balanced budget for the first time in years.
“That is a significant achievement, and we’ve managed to do it while investing where we need to and coping with the challenging economic conditions that continue to confront all councils, including the DCC.
“The vast majority of our expenditure is on the basics, including drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, roads, footpaths and other core infrastructure that is at the heart of local government.
“This is core Council business and our early focus on maintenance of our water network has enabled us to retain control of the system into the future while remaining within the pre-existing debt limit.”
Although the increased capital spending plans will add to Council debt, that is a normal part of the budget process where every Councillor gets a vote. Crucially, the DCC remains within its financial strategy while delivering a balanced budget.
“The great majority of submitters to our 9-Year plan hearings asked for more amenity and services funding. The end result is a plan that delivers for our community. I don’t agree with everything it contains, but I respect the democratic process.”