He continually opposed motions to look at other options for the $12 million build and objected to suggestions the library could be moved.

“I don’t believe we need to look at alternatives … the ratepayers of Armidale have already invested $700,000 on this plan,” Cr Maher said.

The meeting was called by Armidale Dumaresq Council to review six options for the future of the planned new war memorial library.

These options include going ahead with existing plans for a new library on its current site, constructing a new library on another site or upgrading the current building. 

Council has estimated building a new library on the current site would cost between $12 million and $12.5 million, with construction scheduled to start in 2019.

But councillors have expressed concern ratepayers are unable to afford the build and last month voted to keep it out of the current budget.

That's despite the fact the planned new library remains in Council's 10-year plan and it has already received development approval.

Thursday night's meeting went for more than two hours and draw a packed gallery, with more than 40 ratepayers in attendance. Debate was often strained between councillors.

Chris Halligan urged other councillors to look at alternatives to the $12 million build and see which option drew the most support from the community.

“After this meeting we can now have a real conversation about the future of the library,” Cr Halligan said.

Full report in Wednesday’s The Armidale Express.