At least two Wellington City councillors have reconsidered their controversial vote supporting a proposal to privatise part of the central library building.
Councillor Nicola Young has now confirmed a change of heart after the Herald this morning revealed Green Councillor Laurie Foon also wanted to backtrack.
Young said she didn't have much time to consider the last-minute proposal and it was clear Wellingtonians were not happy about the thought of privatising part of the library building.
"I am committed to the urgent restoration of Civic Square, but I'm also elected as a representative. So I no longer support the partial sale of the building, nor the reduction of the library's book collection.
"We will have to find cuts elsewhere as huge rates increases are scaring Wellingtonians."
It comes as some councillors are desperately seeking advice from council officers about how to take privatisation back off the table, ahead of another Long Term Plan meeting this week.
Officers themselves have warned in meeting papers there is now no opportunity to develop alternative budgets, but amendments can be accommodated - as long as they don't create new cost pressures.
He won the library vote 9-6, with significant importance placed on keeping the council's proposed debt ceiling increase to a 225 per cent debt-to-income ratio.
Wellington City councillor Laurie Foon. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Following the meeting, in a regular newsletter distributed to Green Party members in the Wellington Region, the party said it was aware of concerns raised about the votes and that the situation was "getting the attention it deserves".
Foon told the Herald she has since reconsidered her stance on the library.
"I am reconsidering my vote on the library as the public voice has been strong - the public wants our library to stay in community ownership," she said.
Asked whether the way she voted reflected her party's values and policy, Foon acknowledged the Greens supported community assets remaining in community ownership.
"My yes vote was to understand what other finance options are available to help keep us below our debt level and get our library open as soon as possible.
"We have no shortage of infrastructure challenges and we need to understand what options we have in funding tools. We need to not delay but progress the work that needs to be done."
How councillors voted on privatising part of the library building:
When the Herald revealed how unhappy Green members were over the vote, local government and finance spokeswoman Julie Anne Genter noted the party opposed fiscal austerity.
Green Party co-leader James Shaw with Local Government spokeswoman Julie Anne Genter. Photo / Dean Purcell
Foon has since indicated she could change her position on the library in future votes.
"We are working with the council and officers to bring another option to this issue to take to the public for consultation.
"If we can land another solution that meets keeping the library in community ownership, finding a way to pay for that, and making it happen so we can start as soon as possible - I will certainly be supporting it."
Foon would not elaborate on who "we" is, details of the alternative plan, or whether it would be presented by the end of the week.
The Herald asked Free the same questions around whether she would reconsider her vote on the central library, but she declined to comment.
This Thursday, councillors are being asked to agree on a proposed draft Long Term Plan consultation document for the community to have their say on.
Council officers have issued a warning in the Long Term Plan meeting documents.
"There is now no opportunity to develop alternative budgets given statutory deadlines and requirements."
But they said amendments to the recommended budget could be included in the draft consultation document, as long as they did not create new pressures on the budget.
"To avoid this, any amendments to add budget items should be agreed alongside off-setting savings."
Wellington City councillor Fleur Fitzsimons. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Libraries portfolio leader councillor Fleur Fitzsimons told the Herald she has also asked council officers for advice about possible amendments to the library decision.
"My preference is that the council does not consult on selling any part of the library building as it will become a distraction from important issues contained in the draft Long Term Plan, such as fixing the pipes, building affordable housing, and developing the rest of Te Ngākau Civic Square."
Civic Square has become a graveyard of vacated earthquake-prone buildings.
