The committee has been struggling to raise funds for building maintenance and insurance, so approached the council to take over ownership for a nominal $1 payment.
Council staff agreed the move was appropriate, saying in a report the local authority would be able to insure the building for a fraction of the cost incurred by the committee.
Mr Yule told a council meeting yesterday he agreed the change of ownership was a sensible move, even though it meant the council picking up the estimated $2000 a year cost of maintaining and insuring the building.
"It's a pretty good deal for us, when you consider what they provide at Waimarama," he said.
Councillors agreed, to the delight of Waimarama Civil Defence Committee chairman Richard Gaddum, who was at the meeting.
Mr Gaddum was left with one concern over the deal, however.
"I just wonder if we're going to see our dollar, that's all," he joked.
"I've got one in my pocket, mate," Mr Yule replied.
Mr Gaddum thanked the council for doing the deal, saying his committee found it difficult raising money. "What we do raise goes into equipment to make Waimarama and the surrounding area a safer place."
