LISMORE City Council has voted to exhibit plans to replace the Lismore Lions fountain with a public art work following tense scenes at Tuesday night's council meeting.

Earlier Lismore mayor Jenny Dowell used her casting vote to defeat a motion to restore the fountain. Posting later on social media she said the final vote on the issue meant the "council has not decided to demolish the fountain".

The failed motion would have halted plans to replace the fountain with six sandstone pedestals inlaid with mosaics which "tell the story" of Lions in Australia, at a cost of $127,000.

In support, councillors Greg Bennett and Neil Marks said there was a lack of communication with local clubs which meant proceeding with any plans for the site was "almost an insult" to members.

Cr Bennett said local members were "told a lie" about the costs when the Lismore Lions club originally voted to support the fountain's removal.

"I do not believe that we should be destroying heritage items in this town," he said.

But Cr Glenys Ritchie spoke against Cr Bennett's motion, saying the fountain's future was a decision for the whole community to make, not just Lions members.

"This motion implies we're going to negotiate with the Lions and not the rest of the community and that's why I can't support this motion," she said.

The motion was a 5-5 tie (with Cr Battista absent) and Cr Dowell used her casting vote, saying she agreed with Cr Ritchie's comments.

The plans will be displayed for 28 days .

Later, responding on Facebook to the "half story" circulating on social media, Cr Dowell detailed the vote like this:

"Yes I used my casting vote against the first debate about the Fountain.

"The proposal was to consult with Lions with a view to restoring the Fountain.

"I voted against it and then when the vote was tied 5-5, I used my casting vote to defeat it.

"I explained by saying that it was unfortunate that Lions Clubs in Lismore did not communicate well and that they could not come up with an agreed position, that it was important we hear from all Lions clubs and the community before we make a decision.

"The second vote on a staff report was for the committee (including Lions reps) proposal for the art work to go on exhibition and that the exhibition should include alternative information on the restoration of the fountain.

"The matter will be reported back to Council for a final decision - probably in November.

"In other words, council has not decided to demolish the fountain.

"The community will have a month after the information is advertised to make comment.

"We also hope that in that time the Lions Clubs can sort out their differences and decide on an agreed way forward.

"The debate in Lions hinges around the need to retain heritage or to tell the story of Lions as it is today and what is has achieved in last 70 years ready for the celebrations in 2017."