About 70 concerned citizens gathered for the first meeting of the new Wodonga Ratepayers’ Association and raised concerns about the directions of the council.

The council’s spending, a lack of turning lanes at the revamped section of High Street and Elgin Boulevard and plans for a public artwork valued at up to $1 million were high on the agenda.

Ian Deegan, who organised the meeting, was elected president while Geoff Burton was elected deputy and the association will look to grow its support and consider sourcing funds from the public and local businesses.

Mr Burton, who was involved in the original ratepayers’ group which disbanded in 2010, said the group needed a clear agenda.

“I think we’ve got to prioritise what we’re going to do,” he told attendees.

“We’ve got a level of debt that’s way too high.

“I think we’ve got to meet with council and I think they’re aware that this is going to take off, this organisation.”

Tony Collins said the new group should seek donations from Wodonga businesses.

“We need them to support us,” he said.

Jim Roelofs said a possible slogan for the group could be “we want our council back” and Mr Deegan said the group had “pushed the message that we’re bloody serious”.

“If they don’t listen, they’re not going to be a councillor next year,” Mr Deegan said.

“We may have commissioners by the end of the year. The council’s heading down the wrong track.”

A committee of 12 people was elected at the meeting at the German Austrian Australian Club, with a date still to be set for the second meeting.