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There were some tense moments around the council chamber when Auckland Council’s governing body debated the Long Term Plan (LTP) on June 25.
Mayor Len Brown had the Auditor General Lyn Provost and the chief executive Stephen Town spell out the consequences for Auckland if Councillors did not pass the budget.
The sticking point for some Councillors was what they perceived as the lack of proper consultation on the transport targeted rate of $114 for households and $183 for businesses.
Speaking in support of the budget, Rodney Councillor Penny Webster stressed the importance of the LTP in allowing local boards to get on with their programmes.
She also hoped that when Council looked at its asset recycling as a source of alternative funding, some regional parks would be considered for sale.
“We have the case of yet another regional park being purchased at South Head. I think we should see if one or two parks are no longer necessary.”
The budget eventually passed 10 votes to nine with an additional amendment which addressed concerns about rail costs, the transport targeted rate, the general rate of 3.2 per cent, managing significant rates rises, a review of the Port of Auckland capital expenditure and an annual review of the UAGC (uniform annual general charge).
