BATHURST councillors last night accepted the State Government's offer to take over the historic TAFE building in a "no strings attached" deal.
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But negotiations will continue with government representatives over any profit sharing arrangements to be in place if council decides to sell the building at a later date.
Once the deal is signed, council will assume responsibility for the TAFE building on William Street, a 6033 square metre tract of land in the heart of the central business district and two more buildings, including the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum.
The issue has divided council, with councillors Warren Aubin and Greg Westman labelling their colleagues "fiscally irresponsible" for agreeing to the deal.
A report from corporate services and finance director Bob Roach says council will pay almost a quarter of million dollars a year in "holding fees" for as long as the building sits idle, with restoration to cost many millions.
* Read all the councillors' views in Friday's Western Advocate
* What do you think? Has council made the right decision? Comment below
