A majority of Waitaki district councillors want to return to their chambers in the council headquarters building.
The council has been meeting at the Opera House since March last year, vacating the chambers for a team installing a computer and information system.
Staff recommended the council continue its council and committee meetings at the Opera House because of what it had to offer after a major redevelopment and because it provided better public access.
Yesterday, the council's committee of the whole recommended meetings be returned to the council chambers, except for public hearings on such issues as the annual plan.
It also recommended the councillors' lounge, next to the chambers, be available for councillors unless they did not need it.
The final decision will be made at the council's meeting next month.
Cr Hugh Perkins felt it was very important the council met in the headquarters chambers unless there were exceptional circumstances. This was supported by five other councillors.
However, Cr Kathy Dennison said the Opera House was a "wonderful facility, particularly for the public".
