About 30 people attended the public forum part of the meeting, with several speaking out against the proposal to reduce staff at the Queenstown and Wanaka libraries from 15.12 to 10.68 full-time equivalent roles - as indicated in the recently leaked draft report reviewing council operations.
''If you step on a sleeping dog it's likely to bite you no matter how good-natured it is,'' Sue Coutts said of the community's strong reaction to the proposed changes, which has included a public protest march and a 1000-signature petition.
The council was legally and morally obligated to publicly consult on matters that were significant to the community before decisions were made, she said.
''We don't know what's on the table, we don't know what trade-offs are involved, and that's a really awkward position for us.
''Every decision has political, economic and social consequences and I think it's really important to understand what those are.''
Ms Coutts said the community depended on board members, as elected representatives, to stand up for Wanaka.
''You have to take a moral stand on things like this and it's very important to us that you do.''
John Wellington agreed. He also said the council had given its management too much power in enabling it to carry out the review and implement the recommended changes.
''The Wanaka Community Board is here to represent Wanaka and we want to know where you stand on this issue and we need to know that you're fighting for the views of your community,'' he said.
He also argued the proposal to make libraries into council service centres was not a good fit.
''In councils you get a more disturbed environment that really does not work well with the quiet, contemplative environment of the library.''
In recapping some of the comments made by community members during an extended public forum at last week's council meeting in Wanaka, Nicola Martinovich said there was a clear consensus that the service level at the libraries would ''undeniably change'' if staff cuts were made. She suggested a working party be formed with members of the public to consult on the proposal.
Mayor Vanessa van Uden, who was at the meeting, said a ruling would come soon from council on the public process regarding the organisational review. Further information is expected to be released by the council this morning.
Community board chairman Lyal Cocks said the board was likely to meet QLDC chief executive Adam Feeley next week to discuss the draft report.
