Councils Proposed Targeted Rate for Martinborough

Councils Meeting on 24th Aug it was resolved that Council would propose a targeted rate on Martinborough including an area of the wider Martinborough District yet to be determined. This targeted rate if approved will allow Council to draw a loan of approximately 1 million to cover the current shortfall of funding so that the Waihinga Centre project can be secured.

A targeted rate is an annual fee paid by each rateable property.The details of the targeted rate will be determined in the next few weeks and a number of affordable options will be offered for consideration.
The proposed rate will be outlined in a letter to all affected rateable properties so that people are fully aware and consulted.Council will call for submissions, have a hearing, deliberate and make a decision. The time frame of 2 months is anticipated.

The pain Farm is not being sold.

People should be aware that the funds raised for the Waihinga Centre Project are for this particular project and are not transferable for any other proposal. All funds that have been raised are all accountable and are being held by either the Council or the Waihinga Trust.

The community to date have been absolutely fantastic and have made pledges and or raised funds totalling 1.4 million. A further $825,000 has come from Trust House, ECCT and Lotteries.

The shortfall is due to Council not being able to fully fund its 3.2 million because some funding stream is unavailable due to public feedback from submissions and not receiving the full funding expectation from external funders. Council is very supportive of this project and have been frank and honest; I see this as a challenge and a great opportunity to build a facility that will serve our community for the next 80 years.