Council committee faces tough decision with less in the kitty

Hurunui District Council’s Operations Committee was caught between costs and levels of service following the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi’s (NZTA) level of funding coming in significantly less than requested during the Long Term Plan process.

Finding a repair solution for the Marshmans Road Ford, which has erosion damage to its downstream section, proved a litmus test for the committee at its November meeting, with less in the roading kitty.

Hurunui Council CEO Hamish Dobbie noted that funding had been allocated to the repair of the ford under the Long Term Plan, however, money was now a “lot tighter in the roading budget”.

Councillors were faced with three options: returning Marshmans Road Ford to a soft-bottomed ford at an estimate of $10,000 to $15,000; a temporary repair at $34,000 to $40,000; or a more durable concrete repair at $38,000-$45,000, which would include erosion control at the downstream section.

Traffic counts indicate Marshmans Road experiences about 190 vehicle movements a day. Detour options are available.

Chair Ross Barnes noted the costs of maintaining the ford over the past five years have already sat at around $80,000, with further maintenance – and ongoing costs - expected if it was returned to a soft bottom to prevent a hole forming.

The concrete repair was a better option when looking at value for money, Cr Barnes said.

The motion for the more durable concrete repair was carried unanimously, with Cr Fiona Harris predicting “we are going to have to continue to make these move-around decisions” in balancing levels of service with less money in the budget.