Funding for closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) in Dunedin has fallen short by as much as $52,500, but the last-minute discovery of a fund last used in the 1970s, and very close to that amount, may save the day.
The council will make a decision on the matter at a meeting in Middlemarch on Monday, its options either using the recently rediscovered fund, having cameras with reduced coverage, or dipping further into rates.
The idea for CCTV cameras in the Octagon to battle night-time disorder was first raised four years ago.
A 2008 feasibility study culminated last year in a $150,000 commitment from the council, to be charged through rates, with a further $50,000 required to be provided from external sources.
A report to Monday's meeting from council customer advocate Adrian Blair said electrical consultants Pedersen Read had recommended a system of wide-lens cameras connected by fibre-optic cables and a "wireless bridge" to the Dunedin Police Station.
But of the $50,000 required, only $12,500 had been raised, from the New Zealand Community Trust.
Local trusts had declined, saying a CCTV system should be a council-, rather than a community-funded initiative.
Approaches to the Government had been declined, as the Ministry of Justice already funded the city's safety programme.
Mr Blair said in his report the council had, in the 1970s, collaborated with the Government to establish a fund for comprehensive urban renewal in North Dunedin, which was used for street improvements, and buying and developing housing.
The schemes ended after related legislation was repealed under the Local Government Amendment Act 1979, and the proceeds of property acquired and then sold under the scheme were used for kerb protrusions, trees and angle parking.
But there was not community support for all the works proposed, and the remaining surplus funds were invested and kept in a separate fund.
A recommendation to wind up the fund in 1998 was not adopted, and, with interest, it now stood at $51,102.
Council chief executive Jim Harland was not available for further explanation late yesterday, but Mr Blair said the fund had been identified by staff from the council's finance department when looking for funds to "carry us through", and the CCTV cameras had been found to fit with the fund's criteria.
If it were used, the cameras could be installed this year, and a $197,860 quote for the work could be accepted.
