Councillor Kathryn Bell argued that MidCoast Council should not proceed with its move to Biripi Way during the current health and economic crises.
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She addressed an extraordinary meeting of council today Monday, March 30, seeking to rescind its decision on March 25 to enter into negotiations with a preferred tenderer with a view to award a contract for the conversion of the former Masters site into council's head office.
"I think (the decision to launch the tender process) is potentially reckless and potentially incompetent," Cr Bell told the meeting.
The rescission motion was lodged by councillors Peter Epov, Jan McWilliams and Kathryn Bell.
Cr McWilliams had been granted leave not to attend the meeting but Cr Epov was not present either.
It was defeated and council will proceed with the negotiations.
Cr Bell said it was not known how the current health and economic crises would affect council.
"The Prime Minister wants businesses to hibernate until this passes," she said.
"We should be hibernating.
"We are looking at a major spend of $15 million plus.
"The Biripi Way move relies on sale of assets and we don't know what that is going to look like."
She said the knock-on effects of the crises could potentially result in landlords not being able to pay rates.
And, she noted "there will not be a whole lot of money in State and Federal coffers."
Cr Bell said the former Masters building may be required for use in the current medical emergency, similar to its use during last year's bushfires.
"We have lurched from one disaster to another."
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