The country's longest serving female councillor and third longest serving Albury councillor behind Cleaver Bunton and Alf Waugh has stepped down this week with her departure effective immediately.

"I don't want to be still on council when I am 85," Cr Gould said.

"I've had a good innings and I realise there are other people out there who might want to join council.

"There have been so many highlights, the art gallery, the sporting grounds, but I never got the pool I wanted.

"I will miss going to the meetings on Monday night, but there are other things to do now."

Cr Gould, 80, had seven terms as mayor of Albury after first joining council in 1974.

Her position on council is expected to remain vacant until elections are held in September.

Mayor Henk van de Ven has led the tributes for Cr Gould.

 “She has been behind some of the biggest decisions made by council over the past 40 years,” he said.

“We will be eternally grateful to Cr Gould for her contribution to the city, council and our community and we wish her the very best in her retirement.”

Member for Farrer Sussan Ley remembered meeting Cr Gould when she was campaigning in the lead-up to the 2001 federal election.

"She gave me lots of advice about politics, about it always being local," Ms Ley said.

"That is the focus Pat has had all her life, Albury first, Albury last, everything for the city of Albury."

NSW Local Government Association chairman Keith Rhoades travelled to Albury two years ago for Cr Gould's 40 years in local government. milestone.

"One can only congratulate her and thank her for her many years of service to her community," he said.

"It is a feat many will try and achieve, but she has done it.

"She can be very proud."