Tim Quilty took the rare step on Monday night of formally opposing the city’s financial plan for the next 12 months.

“I think we could have found another $200,000 in savings, that’s what it would have taken for me to vote for this,” Cr Quilty said.

“We didn’t find it and I won’t be supporting the budget.”

Cr Quilty and colleagues Ron Mildren and Libby Hall pushed at last month’s council meeting for a general rate rise of 1.5 per cent instead of 2 per cent, the cap set by the Victorian government.

Having lost that vote 4-3, Cr Mildren and Cr Hall on Monday night accepted the draft budget which was adopted 6-1.

Mayor Anna Speedie defended the new budget.

“This budget is strong, but it is very lean,” Cr Speedie said.

“Councillors you talk about a 1.5 per cent increase.

“In actual fact this budget delivers a .6 per cent rise to the average residential rate, that is a significant achievement.

“Over the last four years we have continued to see a review of all services and (moved to) find efficiencies across the entire organisation, while still delivering for our community.”

Cr Quilty, who described the budget as having a “bit less fat than past years”, said a 2 per cent rise was “too high”.

“Some people seem to think the ratepayers are crying out for higher rates, but I haven’t met any of them,” he said.

Former John Watson said the budget was “financially responsible” but he also urged the council to be prepared to look at spending.

“Baranduda Fields is one of those things that we’ve got to be on the front foot (and) ready for that, because it’s been a long time since we built a brand new sporting venue in our city,” Cr Watson said.

The budget was adjusted to provide $8000 to the Telemark Nordic Ski Club and $5000 to the Border BMX Club.

The former will go to a biathlon training set-up, while the latter will aid upkeep at Wodonga’s BMX track.