In its draft 2012-22 long-term plan, the council proposed to pay a $73,000 grant next financial year, but end its contribution from 2013-14. That proposal attracted the most comment on any single issue in the 500 submissions the council received on its draft plan which were considered yesterday.
The council started to make decisions on its long-term plan, which will also set its budget and rates for next year.
Cr Kevin Malcolm, who moved that the council continue its grant for the next three financial years, put some stringent requirements around that.
The grants were made subject to a business plan being produced and a strategy that fitted with the council's recreation strategy, when completed.
Cr Malcolm said the business plan must include looking an increasing use of the centre and how it would use the council's money through aligning itself with the district recreation plan.
The centre is on Waitaki Girls' High School land, and one of the gymnasiums is primarily for its use.
Cr Jim Hopkins wanted ownership of the land and centre clarified as soon as possible. Ownership would need to be factored in when considering future funding, he said.
Another issue which attracted a lot of comment in submissions was public toilets and the proposal to shut the Severn St and lower Thames St toilets to save $30,000 a year.
Cr Peter Garvan opposed closing the two toilets and said the only cost was cleaning.
Cr Craig Dawson supported closing the toilets and said others were available, but Cr Sally Hope said those that were open needed to be better signposted.
The council decided to close the two toilets.
The Waitaki Guardians will get $50,000 next year from the Oamaru business area rate to continue a community patrol of the central Oamaru business district, which has reduced crime and also attracted support in submissions.
