The amount council can charge for its rates each year has been determined, with only a small increase on the rate peg leaving it disappointed. 

The rate peg is determined by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) each year and sets the maximum general income NSW councils can collect. 

The main component of a council’s general income is rates revenue, but it also includes some annual user charges.

The 2017-18 rate peg has been set at 1.5 per cent, which is down from 1.8 per cent for the current financial year. 

In years prior to that, the rate peg had been set as high as 2.4 per cent. 

Council’s director of corporate services Duncan McWhirter said it was a disappointing decision from IPART. 

”It will certainly put pressure on council’s budget,” he said. 

“In terms of a dollar figure, that is yet to be determined, but council still has all of the same expenses and responsibilities that need looking after. 

“While I’m sure it will be welcomed by ratepayers, at the end of the day, council collects rates to improve the town and its facilities.”

As a result of the Fit for the Future process, council is already in the middle of a budget strain due to having to save millions of dollars in order to “standalone” as a solo entity. 

Leeton shire residential and commercial ratepayer Garry Lanham had no doubt many residents would welcome the slight increase, instead of having a bigger fee imposed. 

“In saying that, I think many people probably just get their rates and pay them without really looking too much into it,” he said. “However, people would be happy to save a bit of money. 

“For the commercial side of things it should be helpful as well in terms of our fixed costs. Getting them down is also good.”