Big financial decisions will be discussed in Tauranga City Council this week as councillors begin the Annual Plan deliberations.

Under the new provisions of the Local Government Amendment Act 2012 that came into effect in December 2012 council must follow national guidelines on how to spend ratepayers' money this year.

Baycourt is one of the council controlled organisations under discussion at the Annual Plan deliberations.

The basic requirement is "to meet the current and future needs of communities for good-quality local infrastructure, local public services, and performance of regulatory functions in a way that is most cost effective."

The new act places more focus on city's infrastructure and public services ahead of 'the four well-beings”, which since 2002 have tasked territorial local authorities with looking after the social, economic, environmental, and cultural well-being of their communities.

This morning councillors will discuss the Greerton Library re-build project, libraries level of service policy, and the adoption of a new libraries management service.

At 1pm councillors will deliberate on the use of Baycourt Theatre, its policy and funding direction, and also whether to transfer Baycourt from direct council control to Bay Leisure and Events Ltd.

On Wednesday morning at 10.45am councillors intend deliberating on the development contributions policy, and the Boscabel Drive water supply – where council is being asked what part it will play in upgrading the narrow diameter, glue jointed developer's budget water supply system.

Submissions on ongoing stormwater and flooding issues in Matua, Mount Maunganui, and Arataki, will be heard on Wednesday afternoon.

Legally council is required to state its reason why any particular decision has been made, and it will be communicated to each submitter as part of the decision response.

The deliberations are scheduled for the rest of the week.