Thames-Coromandel council pushes pause on library book spend to reduce 10 per cent rates rise.

It means the budget for Thames Library will reduce from $83,193 to $8,319; $34,074 to $3,407 for Mercury Bay; and $9,829 to $983 for Tairua Library.

The remaining 10 per cent will be used to replace key books that may not be able to be repaired during the year.

Council's operations group manager Bruce Hinson said Covid-19 meant that life could not continue as normal, and changes had to be made in many areas.

"We had to look very hard at all our spending and make some very difficult decisions," he said.

"The service at our district libraries will remain at the same high standard as before, but new books will not be able to be purchased, unfortunately.

Tell the Council this is unacceptable

Caroline Thomas (Rate Payer)    Contact the author of the petition