For 2015/16 the annual fees payable to councillors will be $10,742 and the mayor $23,442.

In contrast for the 2014/15 financial year councillors received $10,480 and the mayor $22,870.

Under section 248 of the NSW Local Government Act 1993 (rural category), council must fix the annual fee for councillors between a minimum of $8330 and a maximum of $11,010. The mayor’s fees must be between a minimum of $8860 and a maximum of $24,030.

The means the shire’s local government fees are towards the upper end of the scale.

The vote to raise fees was held at council’s last monthly meeting and incurred one dissenting vote, councillor Gary Carter.

“The reason behind the way I voted is that last year councillors voted unanimously against the increase in fees because of a rate rise to fix failing infrastructure,” Cr Carter said.

“This year, on the back of Fit for the Future rate rises, councillors all agreed to an increase in fees.

“The failing infrastructure required a 10-year delivery program and until these repairs are substantially completed and the burden placed on our ratepayers to bear this cost is dramatically reduced I will not be voting for any increase in fees or future rate rises.”

The Local Government Remuneration Tribunal sets the minimum and maximum amount of fees payable to local government elected members. In determining the remuneration, the Tribunal reviews key economic indicators, including the Consumer Price Index and Wage Price Index. On this basis, the Tribunal determined an increase of 2.5 per cent was warranted.

According to the Mayoral and Councillor Fee report complied by council for the monthly meeting; “the role and responsibilities of the elected members is an integral component of the Local Government good governance framework.”

*The Courier-Sun contacted mayor Mark Troy but he declined to comment.