With rates and charges having increased substantially in Braidwood after the new land valuations were released recently, new sewer charges and a new rate model, the Council had a motion before it which recommended that "Council advise the Minister that it intends to seek a special variation increase of around 6.3% over the permitted rate cap increase while reserving its right to amend or withdraw the application prior to the striking the rate in July 2007."

A variation was reported as consistent with Council's previous resolution to seek increases over 5 years. The 6.3% increase would raise around $330k, which would remain insufficient to meet Council's funding requirements.

When the motion was put, Cr Raynolds spoke firmly against any increases. "I don't think we should go for it" he said, "we have had year after year increases and farmland in haemorrhaging. There is a limit to how long farmland can take it. This council's rate payers are bleeding as it is."

Cr Hart said that it is a "pain we have to suffer to get a viable council."

Cr Gardiner argued against it alluding to the Titanic. "We inherited crook sewerage and water, and the tips are all crook as well."

"I'm not comfortable to go back to the same person, the ratepayer, and say we want more money. It will be nigh on impossible for people of lesser means in Braidwood to survive" said Cr Gardiner

Cr Horan added that he felt "more comfortable this year than last year with financial management. This year we probably wont open the pools. Probably shouldn't have opened them this year. It was a good political ploy to get more money out of the state government."

Cr Marjeson opposed any rise saying "Where's it all going to end? We've never been viable. We can't keep cutting back and deferring projects. It still won't meet council requirements after 20 years. Palerang is all tip and no iceberg" he said.

The mayoral minute for "Council to hold an extraordinary meeting on 29th March at 6pm solely to discuss the special variation" was carried.

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