The inclusion of the proposal to build the $31 million building in its long-term community plan was debated by the finance and corporate committee yesterday.
While the committee, made up of all councillors (although Crs Michael Deaker and Bryan Scott were absent), agreed to recommend the inclusion of the office block in the plan, it was only after a challenge by Cr Doug Brown.
However, the final decision will not be made until the full council meeting on June 24.
Cr Brown suggested deferring consideration of the proposal until the outcome of the Government's review of local government was known and a "more thorough investigation of alternative sites" was carried out.
There were "serious deficiencies" in the original report on alternative sites, in that it had a predetermined outcome and was selective in its look at options.
The price tag was excessive, the location was wrong, it was not council core business and 94% of submitters on the building were against it, Cr Brown said.
An amendment suggesting alternative sites be investigated was defeated 5-4.
Committee chairman Cr Duncan Butcher said the council needed to take the "bull by the horns" and proceed.
"The price we have now is a good price; it's an excellent building . . ."
Cr Gretchen Robertson said councillors had three options: to proceed, to park and delay, or to restart the process.
The council had looked at available sites four years ago.
"It's taken that long to work though, to be prudent. If we start from scratch, it'll take that long and we'll spend a lot of money."
Cr Stephen Woodhead said it was a capital investment which would have little effect on rates.
"We can afford this with minimal impact on the rate."
Cr Gerry Eckhoff said the council owed its ratepayers to look at all options to find a more appropriate alternative.
While there were reserves to pay for the building, "they were just that, there for a catastrophic event rather than a building".
