The Employers & Manufacturers Association is concerned that Tauranga City Council's 2010/11 budget includes cost increases over and above those projected in its long term community plan.
"For example, depreciation, finance costs and other expenditure will add $7 million to the council's budget, but as is often the case when increases like this are projected, no explanation is given as to the cause," says EMA Northern executive Peter Atkinson.

"Another concern is that the council has not disclosed how it plans to improve its productivity or make savings.
"It needs to tell ratepayers how it intends doing this.
"We also think the council should move to volumetric charging for waste water.
"This is logical and in line with where most councils in New Zealand are heading - to charge directly for services where appropriate. It's fair for everyone."
Peter says the EMA's vision for Tauranga is reflective of its significant potential and in the long term, the association would like to see the northern region be a unified economic powerhouse.
"We see enormous potential for the region with four-lane highways connecting the four cities, rapid rail links, and integrated port and airport facilities. The northern triangle could become New Zealand's engine for driving growth."