Recycling, recreation, fluoridation and heritage will feature in the deliberations of Clutha councillors as they wade through submissions to the 2008-09 draft annual plan next week.
In one of the quieter years for submission to a Clutha annual plan, the Clutha District Council received just 44 submissions.
Fifteen submitters want to speak to the council.
A big push has emerged to continue funding for the curator's position at South Otago Museum, with the museum and three other submitters backing the move.
Clutha Recreation Centre Incorporated, which has been developing plans for a new indoor, multi-purpose sports facility in Balclutha, has recently completed a feasibility study to justify the proposed centre.
It is now asking the council for $85,000 to develop full concept plans and get the project ready through to the pre-construction phase.
It hopes to have the facility built by the end of 2010.
The council will also be asked to endorse plans from West Otago Health Ltd for a loan of no more than $80,000, allowing it to conduct a feasibility study and develop plans for a planned new health centre on the grounds of the former Tapanui Hospital.
On the business front, the Otago Chamber of Commerce wants an "opportunities fund" set up to investigate potential projects that could provide economic benefit to the district.
Battle-lines may be drawn when those for and against fluoridation gather to speak to their submissions.
Submitters are lined up to speak about the council's plans to fluoridate water supplies in Milton, Kaitangata and Tapanui.
Another issue gathering momentum is a call from ratepayers for the council to speed up its plans to introduce recycling services throughout the district.
The council is proposing a 5.13% general rates rise in the coming financial year.
