Clutha ratepayers may help the district's Riding for the Disabled group get back on its feet but exactly how or if it does that is yet to be decided.
Facing financial struggles and organisational problems, the Balclutha-based group asked for help from the town's community co-ordinator who, in turn approached the council for advice.
In a report tabled at Thursday's full meeting, council chief executive Charles Hakkaart said the group was falling behind on mortgage payments and council rates for its Johnson Rd operation in north Balclutha.
A new committee has since been formed and it has focused on developing a strategic plan and budget to keep it running as a sustainable operation.
They will, however, need help to get them on a sound footing for the future.
The most obvious way the council could help, Mr Hakkaart said, was providing a financial grant, possibly about $50,000, but the council might be nervous unless it had some security against that grant.
He suggested transferring the group's land into council ownership might be an option.
Before any more steps were taken, Mr Hakkaart said the group needed to show it was sustainable and meet outcomes in the council's long-term plan.
He had met the group again recently, and was encouraged by its new energy and approach.
The group plans a public meeting on the issues next week.
The council agreed in principle with the idea of supporting the group and more research will be done so a report can be prepared for the district assets committee to consider soon.
•Doctors' housing: More homework will be done on the possibility of the council helping to provide housing for Balclutha-based doctors and health professionals.
The council was approached by Clutha Health First to see if it could consider developing housing facilities as a way of enticing staff to the town's hospital.
A more detailed report will be prepared on the different ways the council may be able to help.
Some councillors were wary of a precedent but others said health was a key issue and housing was important in attracting staff to the area.
