The shelter recently wrote to council asking that the $1280 bin rates fee be waived due to financial hardship and increased demand for their services during the lockdown.

However, in a split vote, Wagga City Council ultimately decided to delay a decision until more details on the shelter's state funding arrangements were made available.

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Councillor Vanessa Keenan put forward a motion to fund the waiver using the Solid Waste Reserve Fund, but Cr Rod Kendall moved that staff look into the charity's funding before making a decision.

He said that the state and federal governments are responsible for the funding of homeless services and not local councils.

"This request should never have had to come to council because funding of homeless shelters is not a council responsibility, it's a state government responsibility," Cr Kendall said.

"It is the state government's role to ensure that shelters are adequately financially funded."

Crs Keenan, Hayes, Koschel and Tout voted against Cr Kendall's amendment, while Crs Braid, Conkey, Kendall and Pascoe voted for it. Cr Tim Koschel attempted to fund the fee waiver through his own councillor allowance, but that motion did not receive support from his colleagues.

Chris Hall at the Auto Paint and Trade Centre, with the support of his staff, yesterday paid the $1280 fee on behalf of the shelter.

"I think it is important to recognise the invaluable service Edel Quinn provides to our community," he said.

"These types of facilities receive very limited funding for the services they provide.

"They rely on volunteers and I'm acutely aware of giving back to the community as a business owner."

Mr Hall and dozens of others were originally hoping councillors would respond to the strong public response by funding the request.

"It's not just about the rubbish that's for sure, it's about knowing what is happening within our community and being able to act on it," he said.

"We all pay rates and we all have an expectation that council listens to the community and listens to what the expectations for the community is through leaders.

"I find this gets lost a lot."

Bonnie Jackson-French, who runs the shelter, was blown away by the community support and the offer of help. "There were so many comments there supporting Edel Quinn and that was so comforting, seeing that people are still thinking of us and recognising what we're doing at this time," she said.

"Given that it's such a difficult time for everyone I wouldn't want to put anyone into hardship but we're also very welcoming of any donations and support.

"As long as they feel comfortable and it's within their means I would love for them to get in touch."

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