Rates set to rise, Mayor's boost attracts critics

While some residents have attacked the proposed rise as hitting people in the pocket when property values are falling, there was also criticism over a proposed Mayoral pay rise.

Keeping to its long-term plans, the 7.5 per cent rise follows several years of controversial nine per cent hikes.

The big ticket worry for the council continues to be the rehabilitation of the old waste tip and the opening of a new one in the next decade.

The council’s proposed budget will be put before the council tomorrow night.

Included in the spending plans is a $21,236 rise in the Mayor’s allowance, to a total of $93,296.

Aldermen allowances are proposed to stay the same, at $15,520.

A number of residents commented on the planned Mayoral pay rise with one saying it was “outrageous”.

“The increase to the Mayor’s allowance was determined by council members as being appropriate to the skills required of the role as well as the long hours of the position often occupying many evenings a week on top of the regular day time hours week,” council has responded, in its agenda made public late last week.

“She often attends a number of events on top of regular hours the Mayor performs in the office.”