CONCERNS over the way Wodonga Council has reacted to criticism of its handling of waste management fees will be reflected in the city’s revised 2018-19 budget.
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Wodonga mayor Anna Speedie said on Wednesday the council was conscious of ratepayer sentiment.
“We’ve heard the community’s concerns throughout the draft budget process and have incorporated their feedback into the budget that will be presented for adoption on Monday night,” Cr Speedie said.
Her comment follows Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews saying the council’s behaviour was “completely wrong” in responding to an ABC radio talkback call from whistleblower Charlie Mitchell.
“My message to the Wodonga Council would be look run the best services you can, be honest with your ratepayers about the level of service they’ll be able to get and charge for the things you’re actually delivering, not the things you aren’t,” Mr Andrews said.
“The fact that anyone has to be told that is quite bizarre in 2018.”
Elsewhere, Towong councillor Jennie Star has said why she supported mayor Aaron Scales after he sent a naked photo to Walwa ratepayer Steve Caldwell in the lead-up to last Christmas.
“There was no malcontent intended, I guess he was trying to be friendly to Steve,” Cr Star said.
“I would say it’s a one-off.”
Other councillors, who supported Cr Scales at a closed doors workshop on Tuesday, declined to explain to The Border Mail their rationale for backing the mayor.
Cr Scales said councillors had seen “it was out of character”.
All councillors are expected to undergo social media training in the next three months.
