The debate has already started, and more major issues are on
the horizon, as Dunedin city councillors begin considering
the financial future of the city.
An agenda for next week's 2012-13 pre-draft budget plan
meetings, released yesterday, highlights a raft of major
concerns about Dunedin's stadium debt, how stadium officials
will pay the venue's rates bill to the council, and the
distorting influence of the venue's value on city rates.
The future of the St Clair seawall's repairs is also under a
legal cloud, while consideration of a new $11.5 million
aquatic facility in Mosgiel could be delayed by at least a
year, as staff rethink the proposed project.
The Otago Daily Times will be examining the reports in
detail today and publishing details ahead of next week's
meetings, which begin with a non-public workshop for
councillors on Monday before a public meeting on Tuesday and
Wednesday.
However, debate between councillors has begun already, with
Crs Bill Acklin and Richard Thomson squaring off yesterday
over plans to slash spending on Logan Park and other city
projects and assets.
Community groups have already reacted to the plans, with
Cycling group Spokes Dunedin disappointed by plans to delay
cycleway work on Otago Peninsula, and another looming delay
to the long-awaited South Dunedin library disappointing
promoters of the concept.
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