An anticipated budget increase of $1.8 million to $19.4m has triggered a special consultative process, meaning ratepayers will be asked whether they still wish to proceed with the new six-lane pool, library and service centre, or stop and review the project from the ground up.
The Clutha District Council reviewed the draft consultation document during its meeting in Balclutha yesterday, which will be open to submissions for a month from September 23.
Councillors queried several aspects of the document, including certainty about specific cost and funding elements.
Cr Alison Ludemann also asked whether the community group fronting the project should be asked to raise a portion of the costs greater than the $2m agreed at present.
Cr Dane Catherwood voiced serious concerns about the consequences of further budget blow-outs for ratepayers, if elements of construction costs and funding changed from those anticipated.
A report to the meeting said new foundation requirements could add another $1m to the project, although this was unconfirmed.
Cr Catherwood said it was also possible historically pledged government "better off" funding of $1.9m might not transpire.
Council deputy chief executive Jules Witt said those financial elements had not been included in total costings, as neither had been confirmed at this stage.
There was "considerable uncertainty" over whether the foundation requirements would be applied, and only last Friday the government reiterated its commitment to the "better-off" funding.
The previously approved budget for the 2677sq m complex included $3.55m allocated for the library and $14m for the pool.
Funding would comprise $2m from the community, $1.9m from the better-off grant, and the balance to be loan-funded by the council, paid through partially targeted rates over 25 years.
Cr Ludemann asked whether the council should go back to the Bruce Community Facilities Trust and ask if it could raise more money, in light of the budget blow-out.
"I’m not being horrible about this, but the costs have blown out, and are being shared by the whole district," she said.
Cr Gaynor Finch, who has taken part in community fundraising for the project, described the idea as "horrendous".
"... they are working their butts off, and it would be horrendous to place increased expectation on them".
Fellow Bruce ward councillor Bruce Vollweiler said he was confident the trust would raise more than $2m.
"They’re still in early days of fundraising, and haven’t gone to the bigger funding organisations yet. They won’t stop at $2m, and will ensure this project goes ahead with the least cost to the community."
Submissions can be made online, or at council service centres, from September 23 to October 23.
