SWEEPING changes, aimed at reducing costs at Wagga City Council, have been made available for community comment.
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Councillors last night resolved to place the draft 2014/15 Delivery Program and Operational Plan on public exhibition, along with the Long Term Financial Plan.
Councillor Greg Conkey told the meeting about numerous increases to utilities, including the recent gas price hike announced by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).
"IPART, at the same time, have only allowed us to increase our rates by 2.3 per cent," Cr Conkey said.
"It is unsustainable, the infrastructure in this city is crumbling and IPART is playing a role in that.
"Cost shifting is costing this city $3.4 million - that's a major concern to me and should be a major concern to this council."
Councillor Julian McLaren said council had acknowledged people were struggling in its draft budget.
"People can not afford to continually get increases in cost, at some stage something has got to give," Cr McLaren said.
"This is a good news story, that we have been able to limit the rate increase to just 2.3 per cent."
The documents can be viewed at www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/budget
