Mel Tavendale: Waitaki Mayor on the district's ratepayers facing a 45% increase

One of the country's smallest districts could face its highest rates rise this year.  Waitaki District Councillors have voted to consult on a rates rise of up to 45% to address the council's deficit.  It's also consulting on lower rates rises of 19% or 27%, which would leave the council still in the red.  Waitaki Mayor Mel Tavendale told Mike Hosking she'd prefer a lower rates rise, but that wouldn't solve the council's issues.  She says the council has a $14 million deficit and just 12 thousand ratepayers.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.