A WATCHDOG for Wodonga Council suspects the city will seek to lift its rate beyond the cap set this week by the Victorian Government.
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The Wodonga Ratepayers' Association president Ian Deegan believes it's more than likely the council will apply to raise rates above the 2.5 per cent peg set down by the Local Government Minister.
"I'd be very surprised if they didn't," Mr Deegan said.
He based his opinion on the city's financial position and its need to finance various projects.
"I think they've got to live within their means and for the last 10 years they haven't," Mr Deegan said.
Wodonga mayor Anna Speedie said the council would decide in the new year whether it applied for an increase over 2.5 per cent.
It has until March 31 to make an application and has to demonstrate community consultation as part of its bid.
Cr Speedie, citing NSW as proof, said rate capping in the long term would significantly hurt assets.
"Given that Wodonga is the lowest receiving grant council in terms of state funding, let's hope the State Government increases those funds for Wodonga," Cr Speedie said.
