The Dunedin City Council could pay more for new floodlights at the University Oval, after the University of Otago ruled out making a contribution.
Councillors will decide next week whether to contribute more than half the $2.2 million cost, as part of its long-term plan deliberations.
A staff report to be discussed said the cost of adding lights was higher than the $2 million previously indicated, as the earlier estimate did not include detailed design and consenting costs.
The Otago Cricket Association had approached other sports groups to garner support for the project, and already raised $300,000 towards its share of the costs.
However, the University of Otago had indicated it would not help pay for the lights, and instead pledged only ''support in principle'', the report by council parks, recreation and aquatics acting group manager Richard Saunders said.
As a result, the council's share would be $1.2 million, and loan-funding it would add $116,000 to the council's debt-serving costs over the 20-year life of the loan, the report said.
Councillors were asked to decide whether or not to support the project, and, if they did, to consider a cap on its contribution set at $1.2 million.
A formal commitment to allocating matches to the venue should also be sought from New Zealand Cricket, Mr Saunders said.
