Rotorua's City Safe Guardians were established late last year after more than 300 businesses signed a petition asking the council to part-fund the project, saying they were sick of anti-social behaviour, crime and intimidation on the city's streets. Ultimately, only 19 businesses were prepared to help fund the project and councillors decided to put $100,000 into last year's budget to part-fund it, the Ministry of Justice contributing $57,000.
Councillor Glenys Searancke said she was happy to continue supporting the guardians but was disappointed business people had refused to stump up any cash for what was supposed to be a joint venture between them and council, she said.
"We gave the horse a carrot, it took a bite and then ran off. But in the short time the guardians have been in operation they have proved their worth."
Councillor Merepeka Raukawa-Tait said the guardians were making a good impression and were highly visible on the streets, unlike police who she believed could do more to lift their local profile.
Retailers spoken to were delighted councillors want to continue funding the scheme.
Shop Rotorua chairman and McDonald's owner Rob Parry said he had seen a reduction in crime in the city and it was important the guardians remained.
He was among those who were prepared to fund the scheme. He said retailers were finding things tough but he believed businesses would contribute to the scheme in the future.
"It was up to the council in conjunction with the retailers to work out a fair system. I think most people understand they will have to stump up in some way."
Heart of Tutanekai chairman and part-owner of Serious Fun, Mike Lee, said the number of thefts in his store had dropped and there was less fighting and intimidating behaviour on the street since the guardians started patrolling.
He had been prepared to help fund the project but said it would not have been fair for only some businesses to pay although he understood how difficult times were for some businesses.
Businesses needed to weigh up whether they wanted to lose tourists or have them stay, feeling safe.
Local shoppers told The Daily Post they had seen the city guardians and thought it was good the council was providing financial support.
David Johnston said he supported anything that provided extra security and a visual deterrent.
Rotorua's Mie Geert said the scheme was a good idea and the council should fund it while another resident, Jim Wickliffe, also believed the guardians were a "good thing" but felt businesses should be contributing to the cost.
"If it's protecting the businesses they should fork out for it. It should be half and half," he said.
The council's draft budget will be signed off by March 29, then go out for public consultation in April before being officially adopted by the start of the next financial year, July 1.