$146k sought in backdated funding for hospital campaign

Council staff have added a last-minute item to today’s Dunedin City Council meeting agenda, asking councillors to approve $146,099 for the Save Our Southern Hospital campaign — most of which has already been spent.

A report, authorised by DCC chief financial officer Carolyn Allan, said following the government’s announcement of proposed cuts to the new Dunedin hospital, the council reignited the campaign to argue strongly for a fit-for-purpose hospital.

The council moved quickly to organise a public protest march which aimed to galvanise public support for the campaign.

"Due to urgency, council informally committed to funding the campaign, but this report seeks formal retrospective approval for the spend to-date and a budget to continue with planned activity," the report said.

"This is unbudgeted expenditure."

In mid-September, the council endorsed a campaign plan against any proposed cuts to the new hospital project.

This included a public protest march held on September 28.

An estimated 35,000 people from the southern region marched to show they wanted the hospital to be built as promised.

Since the march, various other initiatives have been undertaken, including media coverage, billboard placement, posters and social media activations.

An ambulance named Cliff has also been lent to the council for the purpose of generating support and publicity around the city and southern region.

Total expenditure on the campaign was forecast to reach $156,320 and included spending on the march ($37,025); branding, fuel and driver accommodation for Cliff the ambulance ($17,184); marketing and publicity ($60,771); campaign badges, donation buckets, pull-up banners and T-shirts ($7899); facilitation of a wider group meeting ($2441) and administration support ($31,000).

However, revenue from the merchandise sales ($5221), Givealittle pledges ($2500) and corporate sponsorship ($2500) was expected to net $10,221.

That left $146,099 that needed to be approved by the council.

The report said if that amount was approved, it would take the campaign to November 6, but additional funding would be required to take the campaign through to December 20.

"It is important to note however, that this is unbudgeted expenditure and may result in an overspend.

"Staff are working hard to cover some of the costs from existing budgets.

"Staff are capturing most costs — but not all staff time — against a specific budget code and will report on spending through the monthly financial reports."

The situation would be reassessed following a decision from the government, or on receipt of information about the build from the government, on or about December 10.

The report recommended the council approve an authorised overspend of $146,099 to fund the Save Our Southern Hospital campaign and note that revenue options would be explored to offset costs.