Council’s general manager Dr Catherine Dale has recommended the council proceed to apply for a special rate rise, despite its own community consultation process identifying that the majority of ratepayers are against it.

A phone survey, conducted by micromex research, found residents had reasonably robust levels of satisfaction with the current levels of servicing and facilities provided by council.

In fact, 13 per cent were very satisfied, 54 per cent were satisfied, and 22 per cent were somewhat satisfied.

Residents indicated they believed it was very important that council continued to improve its community and transport infrastructure, but not at the expense of their wallets.

Sixty-four per cent preferred continuation of current funding over a rate increase above a rate peg of 3 per cent over three years to achieve levels of service.

This was compared to the 36 per cent of respondents who thought the increase was reasonable and affordable for improvements that will benefit the community. 

The survey provided a maximum sampling error of plus or minus 4 per cent, at 95 per cent confidence rate.

But it did not stop there.

In addition to the survey, council received 113 submissions by letter or email on the proposal; 92 of which were opposed.

The community has spoken – it does not want this rate rise.

Whether its decision is best for the community long-term is yet to be seen.

But it would surely be political suicide for any councillor, who purports to represent the community, to vote for it.