Shepton Mallet's ambition for a permanent town hall faces a funding decision, with £600,000 identified for the project but excluded from next year's draft budget.

Papers for Tuesday's Policy and Resources Committee list borrowing and fundraising as alternatives to raising the money through council tax.

The town's search for a civic home has already prompted plans to buy the derelict Coach House at Townsend Retail Park. In January, council chair Dave Crisfield said money from the sale of the former Town Hall in 2003 had been safeguarded for that purpose.

He said any purchase would depend on surveys and costings, with further public involvement before a final refurbishment decision. His letter described the building as an opportunity to restore a permanent council base after more than two decades.

Cllr Crisfield wrote: "This is not a final, irreversible commitment — but it is the strongest option we have seen in two decades to secure a permanent, civic home for Shepton Mallet."

The new papers warn that collecting the £600,000 through the precept would significantly increase the council's demand. Separately, the draft proposes a 6.34 per cent increase in the total precept, which does not establish the increase individual households would pay.

The tax base is due in December. Full Council must ultimately agree the budget and precept.

Tuesday's meeting takes place at 7pm in the committee room at Shape, Cannards Grave Road. Members of the public can attend, with anyone wishing to speak asked to register by noon that day through [email protected] or 01749 343984.

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