Teviot Valley residents will cut their power usage, medical care and food intake, and also opt for cheaper, less healthy grocery items.

That was the message Gill Booth presented to the Central Otago District Council (CODC) during its Annual Plan hearing yesterday, in response to the cost increases being imposed on people within the ward.

“The property tax increase will cause untold stress, especially on Roxburgh’s older and more vulnerable residents,” she said.

Gill, who is a member of the Teviot Valley Community Board, but spoke to her submission yesterday as an individual resident, also expressed concern at the community’s proposed rates increase of 33 per cent.

She, along with many other submitters from the Teviot Valley, requested a town hall meeting so people in the community could hear “what’s going on”.

Gill said the drop-in session offered as part of the Annual Plan process in Roxburgh between 4pm and 6pm one Wednesday was not practical for many people, therefore was not the best form of consultation.

Stephen Darling (bottom, right) presenting his submission at the CODC Annual Plan hearing yesterday. PHOTO: Supplied

Council, via its submissions document, acknowledged her feedback about the timing and length of the drop-in session.

Councillor Stu Duncan, of the Maniototo, said during his time in council the feedback had been that people often thought consultation happened too much.

“You had four submissions come in from the Maniototo - we had 59,” Gill said.

“They aren’t happy in Roxburgh. You’re guys aren’t facing a 33 per cent rates increase.”

Central Otago is facing a proposed average increase of 21.4 per cent.

Stephen Darling, who spoke on behalf of Ettrick Fruitgrowers Association, also raised the issue of rates, explaining how cost increases had affected business.

“Members are strongly opposed to the extent and timing of the proposed increases for our ward and across the district, causing considerable anxiety to some residents.”

He recommended the rates increase be reduced.

“In my view, it’s the wrong time for this extent and level of rate increase.”

He also talked about the need to maintain essential services and core infrastructure, facilitating growth and enabling communities.

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