The cuts are too deep...and ratepayers' pockets are not deep enough.

Auckland councillors are wavering over an early start to the City Rail Link.

Many are having second thoughts about the huge budget-slashing exercise going on to fund the $2.4 billion project, without the help of Government money promised from 2020.

Among them is George Wood, who says there's too much uncertainty in starting such a massive project when precise figures aren't clear.

And he says the 21 local boards are very concerned about big cost cutting in core areas - including parks and street maintenance - designed to pay for it.

Councillors are hearing people's concerns loud and clear across the region.

George Wood says there's also no guarantee that if the council starts the CRL early, that the government will come on board to fund work already completed. He also believes that the 50 percent promised by central government is not enough ... and he's worried there's no strongly constructed agreement in place over the funding.

Motorway tolling and and petrol taxes are being looked at to help pay for it...but George Wood wonders if the size of the project is beyond Auckland because it would suck the life blood out of the city.

He points out that the Mayor alone doesn't hold the purse strings - the 20 councillors have just as much say, and if they decide Auckland can't afford it Len Brown will have to wait for another day to get the CRL of the ground.

Councillor Ross Clow is another one who's broken ranks with the CRL plan, saying the budget is gutting suburban areas such as Avondale, which has been waiting for 30 years for a new town centre.

There's another budget meeting on Wednesday where the concerns are expected to come to a head.

Where the councillors stand
Fast-tracked city rail link
Len Brown
Arthur Anae
Cathy Casey
Bill Cashmore
Chris Darby
Alf Filipaina
Chris Fletcher
Penny Hulse
Mike Lee

Delay start date to 2020
Cameron Brewer
Ross Clow
Linda Cooper
Denise Krum
Calum Penrose
Dick Quax
Sharon Stewart
John Watson
George Wood