Unfortunately it is one which few residents take up.

The council is in the process of consulting with the community over its proposed special rate rise of 5 per cent, compounding each year, for three years.

There is no room for apathy; residents need to have their say on whether they support it or whether they don’t.

Council says that the rate rise will fund infrastructure new and old.

Decades of rate rise limits imposed by the state government have left the council with a backlog of works – bridges that need to be fixed, playgrounds that need to be brought up to standard, decaying sporting facilities and a pool that needs to be replaced.

Residents might have already noticed playgrounds disappearing as the council moves to lower maintenance costs.

Council’s list of community infrastructure to benefit from the proposed rise is long and they are projects that would benefit the community longer term.

But quality infrastructure comes at a cost – a cost which the council estimates to be about $212 a household more each year by 2017-18 – just over $4 a week.

It might seem insignificant when the figure is drilled down, but for those on fixed incomes every dollar counts.

It’s a figure – when given the choice – many would prefer not to pay.

Whichever side you are on, nobody can say that Eurobodalla Shire Council did not endeavour to consult the community on this issue.

The council has personally addressed letters to every ratepayer, created a dedicated website and telephone hotline, undertaken an independent random telephone survey, and run a range of information sessions (which so far, have been poorly attended).

Putting forward your views is the only way to educate your councillors on how you would like them to vote on whether to apply for the increase.

Time is running out to have your say.