It was the second successive rejection of an increase by councillors, the last being in 2023.
Councillors will continue to receive $17,680 per annum and the mayor $55,605.
A maximum 3 per cent rise was determined by the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal for all of NSW’s councillors.
The initial motion, to support the pay increase, had three supporters in councillors Andrew Kennedy, Pat Bourke and mayor Cheryl Cook.
Cr Kennedy’s main reason to seek the full 3 per cent increase was to attract good quality candidates.
“The next rise would be a steep one,” he said.
Cr Cook said she thought long and hard about her decision and noted council’s rejection of the 3.75 per cent increase in 2023.
“I know Albury and other councils have supported increases,” she said.
Elaborating on the work required of councillors, the mayor referred to time consuming tasks reading through big council agendas, attending council and committee meetings, travelling long distances and meeting with community members.
“We have nine dedicated councillors, bar none, who work hard and are totally dedicated, and I believe a $10 week rise is justified,” Cr Cook said.
Cr Sue Wearne said she understood the time and effort councillors put in to perform their role but with steep rate rises with special rate increases (SRVs) she did not support any rise.
“People are doing it tough. It’s not the right time,” Cr Wearne said.
Deputy mayor, Rowena Black also said she didn’t’ feel comfortable asking the community to accept a councillor pay rise.
Cr Pat Bourke said he was in favour, “for a lot of reasons”.
He said the loss of revenue by business owners in order to become councillors, and to give the best opportunity to attract a wider range of good quality candidates were the main reasons he supported the motion.
Cr David Bott supported retaining the status quo, particularly in view of large increases in rates.
“I’m not convinced the three per cent increase would attract better candidates,” he said.
Councillors Derek Schoen and Richard Nixon were absent, and the motion was defeated 3:4.
A new motion was put forward to retain the status quo and was endorsed by all councillors.
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