I think it is commendable that Tauranga City Council is considering charging considerably higher rents to the various charities and sports groups that use TCC facilities “to lessen the burden on ratepayers”.

Of course, it would be more acceptable if TCC applied the same logic to themselves!

Their new building on Devonport Rd is going up rapidly and no doubt the staff are busy preparing for their third move – all at ratepayer expense – in the last few years.

As the land and new building will be leased – at ratepayer expense – why don’t all the occupants contribute to the costs “to lessen the burden on ratepayers”?

After all, they are getting a brand new building with great views and a CBD location, handy to the library and art gallery.

A five per cent tithe on their wages would definitely “lessen the burden on ratepayers”...

It would be interesting to see how TCC staff coped with “spending their money” as opposed to their usual practice of “spending other peoples’ money”.

Allan Gifford, Tauranga City.