Ian Deegan was commenting after the Victorian Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins responded to the association's petition which was tabled in state parliament by Benambra MLA BIll Tilley last November.

The petition of 1000 names sought a review of Wodonga Council's financial, business and management practices as well as allowances and travel expenses.

Local Government Victoria executive director Graeme Emonson, a past Wangaratta Council boss, replied to the association on behalf of Ms Hutchins.

He pointed to "accountability mechanisms" under the Local Government Act and annual reporting and auditing requirements facing Wodonga Council.

"Accordingly, whilst I note the concerns raised in the petition, I can advise that the government has no current plans to undertake such a review," Mr Emonson wrote to Mr Deegan.

The ratepayers association president said he was disappointed an external review had not been ordered by the Labor Party minister.

Mr Deegan drew a link between the government's response and two councillors, Eric Kerr, who is standing for Labor in the federal election, and Lisa Mahood, a former Labor candidate.

"They don't want to rock the boat before the election because we've got a couple of councillors with the Labor Party," Mr Deegan said.

Cr Kerr dismissed the government response being based on politics.

"I can't fathom a connection between the two, it doesn't make sense," Cr Kerr said. 

Cr Mahood suggested Mr Deegan's conclusion was a slur on Ms Hutchins.

"I think it would be highly inappropriate to imply the minister would be making a decision like that, based on who is on the council," Cr Mahood said.

Mr Deegan said he believed now the only way to have a thorough review of the council's operation was to alter the mix of representatives.

"Now our option is to change the council come October and hope the new councillors, whoever they may be, see fit to conduct an audit, a review," Mr Deegan said.

"We're not going to get an external review, so they can get one themselves they can get an independent person in."

Mr Deegan said the ratepayers association planned to invite council candidates to a meeting in August and present their credentials for representing townsfolk.

"Are they going to build monuments to themselves or look after the people of Wodonga?" Mr Deegan said.