I agree with H.McKay with regard to the Council decision to stop the Library Bus service. When one looks at some of the other costs which appear to be blithely accepted by our elected members, $250,000 is not a great cost. Why do we not keep it for another year and see if costs can be controlled enough somewhere else to pay for it? It is a most worthwhile service and I would think much appreciated by its users particularly the children and older people.
At least one councillor is trying to stop the flow of our money, well done Murray Guy. In the article on page three of the 5/4/12 Weekend Sun, he points out the costs incurred through the RMA with regard to the repairs to the Papamoa sewage outfall.
I find it hard to believe that from the 450 plus Council staff who live off our rates, that they can not find an engineer with some suitable qualification capable of designing this work. This begs the question how often do they use consultants instead of council staff. If we do not have suitable staff maybe the removal a few others could happen and qualified people employed in their place.
Faulkner's Corner (same paper) also notes under the paragraph ‘'Maintenance” that ratepayer funding goes to Priority One, Tourism BOP etc. The only two deserving organisations would have to be the Budget Advisory Service and the Foodbank. There will be many more of us ratepayers using their services soon if this crazy spending is not stopped.
Another way to save dollars could be to stop building those awful traffic islands and round-abouts. Why on earth do we need two round-abouts in Merrivale? The road has become a hazard as people negotiate these concrete monstrosities. I suppose this work keeps some-one employed in council.
Food for thought?

G.F.Milligan, Ohauiti.