Gisborne councillor Manu Caddie says he will urge a council meeting next week not to rubber-stamp a $2 million cost blowout in upgrading the city's War Memorial Theatre.
Mr Caddie says ratepayers should be consulted first.
The cost of upgrading and earthquake strengthening the theatre has jumped to $9.6 million, with the council proposing to double ratepayer contributions to $4 million. A trust has aready raised about $5 million.
Mr Caddie says the change in the council's contribution is significant and the public should be consulted.
He says he supports the theatre upgrade, but the council has other big-ticket items in the wings so ratepayers should be asked who should best bear the cost blowout.
