The Shire of Capel councillors have vowed to 'break the mould', requesting the delivery of a draft budget with no net increase in rates revenue for next financial year.
The motion to have staff prepare the draft 2020/21 budget on the basis of no net increase in rates revenue was moved by Shire of Capel president Michael Southwell and carried 5-3 during a special council meeting on Monday, November 11.
Councillors Dave Clews, Kaara Andrew, Kieran Noonan and Southwell spoke in support of the motion, citing the rising cost rates amid stagnant property prices and wages as a major burden for residents.
However, others raised concerns about what it may mean for upcoming projects the shire council had committed to.
Councillor Doug Kitchen spoke against the motion, saying the move could bypass projects committed to in the strategic plan, corporate business plan and the annual budget.
"This motion means putting our capital projects on hold," he said.
"We agreed to discuss this, both as a council and with our community.
"This shire has $200 million worth of assets that require maintenance.
"We should not be cost shifting, this burden should be distributed evenly across generations.
"Councillors, I urge you to consider the future impact."
Councillor Sebastian Schiano echoed councillor Kitchen's sentiments, stating that he was disgusted by the fact that he was being expected to make a major local government decision with six days notice.
Councillor Schiano later apologised and withdrew the statement, which was deemed to be offensive language and in breach of local government standing orders.
Councillor Southwell said the motion was prudent and sensible, as raising rates above inflation was unsustainable.
"I've heard all of the typical clichés this evening," he said.
"All we seem to do is add things to the budget and add to the burden on people. I'm going to do things differently.
"I'm not aware of any laws being broken here - the only thing being broken is the mould."
The motion was just one of a suite of changes moved at the meeting, including the time of council meetings, the implementation of an audio recording system and the way in which minutes record the vote.
A number of other motions were carried during the meeting, including one to acknowledge the tourism and marketing potential of Gelorup and another to advise the state government to seek an alternate route for the southern alignment of the Bunbury Outer Ring Road.
