A MOTION by Cr Len Cox for next year's rate rise to be decreased fell on deaf ears at a Yarra Ranges council meeting last week.
The council's draft budget - on display for public comment until June 7 - is based on a 5.7per cent rate rise.
Rates were scheduled to be increased by 4.2 per cent but were further bumped up by the additional carbon tax and landfill levy, which added an extra 1.5per cent.
Heated debate ensued at last Tuesday's meeting, when Cr Cox put forward an urgent amendment to lower the additional landfill levy and carbon tax rate increase from 1.5 to 0.5 per cent.
He said he felt the council had overestimated the costs of the taxes. "I don't want to see ratepayers paying more than they need to," he said.
His motion was supported only by councillors Noel Cliff and Tim Heenan.
Cr Terry Avery said there was no way of estimating what the costs would be for the council. "We can't foresee what the costs will be and it makes more sense to have more money available to pay the costs."
Cr Jeanette McCrae said she was flabbergasted by Cr Cox's proposal. "I'm not sure why Cr Cox would put forward this motion now when we have been going through the robust process of the budget for four months," she said.
Mayor Graham Warren said it was the toughest budget he has undertaken in his six years on the council. The 2012-13 draft budget projects a deficit of $1.95 million
and earmarks $148.4 million on operating expenditure and $27.2 million for capital works and maintenance. It includes $4.2 million towards major projects including the Kilsyth Living and Learning Centre development; a new regional netball centre at Pinks reserve; and improvements at Hookey Park.
An additional $8.46 million will be used for more disability and aged care services and $8.15 million towards programs for families and young people.