Library and debt, Besotted spending?
In May 2011 Hauraki Councilors approved a new Waihi library 530sqm +90sqm for a service centre, total land area available only 549sqm? the cost then $1.2m ($1,880/m), cost now $1.6m (33% increase).
Just a few weeks ago at TCC the Greerton Library was all go at a cost of some $3.2m ($1.8m ex Consent Fees from all of Tauranga, balance borrowed) for 900sqm ($3,560/m), that doesn't include fit-out, shelving, books and who knows how many more staff?
Now that has been canned until next year and instead everyone gets a bigger drain pipe and rates bill instead, but then it gets bad … the Library is delayed only until next year.
But worse is that TCC spending has increased a lot, adding some $43m of new borrowings over the next few years, like current borrowings of $500m by TCC isn't high enough already, 2% more rates won't even pay the interest?
Making this all much worse is the Library supporters want 1700sqm likely costing $10m and millions annually? But I guess that can be borrowed to, no problems?
Perhaps a free ride on the 'Yellow Lemons” to the CBD would be better for TCC ratepayers?

D Richards, Auckland.