STRATHBOGIE Shire ratepayers are calling for their council to be disbanded.
Facing rate rises of 45 per cent over three years, financially stretched property owners say amalgamation with one of the neighbouring councils is the only way forward.
- READ MORE THIS WEEK
- Opinion: Rule's View
- Editorial: End rural rates rip-off
- Bit rich, we pay more than Toorak
- Call to merge broke shire
- States in Joyce's sights
- Plea for a better funding solution
- Are rural rate rises too high? Click to vote now
- Have Your Say now in the form below
Residents called for the merger at Monday's draft budget community meeting in Nagambie.
The 2010 draft budget projects an annual 15 per cent rate rise for the next three years to pay for vital road and infrastructure works. In addition, local businesses face an extra 20 per cent rate rise.
Nagambie Post Office owner Gerry Burdeu said the proposed additional 20 per cent rate rise on businesses was "just an absurdity" that would have a flow-on effect on small businesses in the shire.
"There's a lot of part-time work done (in the shire) and I think in the end, it's going to have a detrimental effect on employment," Mr Burdeu said.
Strathbogie Shire Mayor Howard Myers said the council was addressing the serious infrastructure problems which challenged the municipality.
"Neither the CEO or I see (amalgamation) as a possibility, but if that is what the community wants, and the government is not prepared to top up small rurals ... then maybe another round of amalgamations has to take place," he said.
Euroa broadacre farmer Tom Maher said he was frustrated with the shire's financial situation and the latest proposed rate rises would "kill us".
