With residents and business being hit hard last year with water and sewerage levies, Mr Ellison explained how the new fees were worked out and some of the changes that have affected this in the last year.

Braidwood's projected growth rate has been revised down from 1% to .5%, and with CPI the expected increase in overall cost had grown by $515,000, since the $6.6 million estimate in February 2007.

Council has also had to use 'Fair Value' method of depreciation, and there has been some rationalisation of water metres, with some residents and businesses reducing their capacity to save costs.

The addition of another pumping station for Victory Street, with sewer extensions and revised developer contributions have all contributed to the revised "Development Servicing Plan" which runs over 20 years.

Mr Ellison pointed out that while 36% of sewerage flows come from non residential premises, previously they had paid on 13% of the revenue, as they had previously been levied the same as residential.

Braidwood's residential sewer levy will be reduced from $1180 to $879 (down by 25.6%), while Bungendore and Captains Flat's will be increasing by 4.2%.

Non-residential levies will be reduced slightly depending on the connection size.

The possibility of returning to ratepayer some of the higher levies paid in the 07-08 year was explored. This was supported by a majority of the public in attendance.

The Council is aiming to complete construction of the new sewerage plant by mid 2010.