Some members of the Mosgiel Taieri Community Board want to charge Otago Polytechnic rent for use of a foyer at the Mosgiel Library complex.
The polytechnic's Community Learning Centre, which offers introductory computing courses and national certificate programmes, has occupied the foyer of the Downes Room, a small meeting room at the library, since March last year.
The centre's viability was threatened by funding cuts and the Dunedin City Council decided to support it by offering the space rent-free.
However, during this week's board meeting, Brian Miller said the move seemed to be working well, but money was in short supply.
The polytechnic had "a prime site here and I think they should be contributing financially", he said.
The centre's move had upset the community board at the time because it believed the foyer was an integral part of the meeting room and was needed as a neutral reception area.
A report which went before the board, though, called the shift a success and recommended the continuation of the arrangement.
"I think if we are going to let them use it, there should be a fair financial return back to the council for the rent of the room," Mr Miller said.
His concern was boosted by the fact the library's roof needed replacement, which could cost $250,000.
Mr Miller also queried whether a "precedent" would be set by allowing the polytechnic to use the space rent-free, because other community groups might also "like a part of the library".
However, library services manager Bernie Hawke said the polytechnic was granted the space rent-free because it was seen as part of the city's digital strategy.
Cr Syd Brown also reminded the board of the service the polytechnic offered.
"They don't charge our community for the service ... so I think, really, we've got to look at it and say, `What is best for our community?' and, to me, I would rather see the service being developed.
"And the upskilling of our community is far more important than a rental return for a small portion of a building."
After further discussion, the board decided to endorse the continued operation of the centre from the library, subject to the negotiation of an acceptable occupation agreement.
