Patearoa's public toilets will remain open until the Maniototo Community Board can ascertain why an electricity bill for the amenity is so high.
The board will then make a decision on whether to drain down and/or close the toilets during parts of the year, which would most likely be during winter, when the toilets are used less.
A special meeting of the board was held in Ranfurly on Tuesday for members to consider revoking a previous resolution they made in April to drain down and close the toilets this winter because of high electricity costs.
It was estimated electricity at the toilets for the 2008-09 financial year cost $2200.
Income generated by the facility was less than $50.
Public opposition to the resolution provoked reaction from the board, which decided it was worth investigating where and when electricity was being used, how it was costed, and whether it was worth keeping the toilets open.
Board chairman Richard Smith told the Otago Daily Times the board resolved to revoke its decision to close the toilets from May to September, and would investigate the costs associated with power usage.
"At the moment, it's using a huge amount of power and there's limited rental, which doesn't offset those costs.
It's now a matter of finding out what's costing us and when we can decipher that, we'll decide whether the toilets can stay open," he said.
Submitters on the Central Otago District Council's long-term council community plan last week told the board closing Patearoa's toilets could encourage visitors to relieve themselves outdoors; would create problems for those hiring the nearby Patearoa Hall during winter; and would produce little cost savings on an electricity bill.
The board approved the appointment of John Gibson, Sam McSkimming, Bob Paterson and John Beattie to the Patearoa Hall Committee.
Mr Smith was appointed as board representative on the committee.
