The draft budget put out for public comment this week includes a 6 per cent increase in costs for organics and recycling.

But acting corporate services director Anthony Smith told Tuesday's council meeting the cost could still rise.

"That figure still needs to be under review due to the uncertainty in the recycling industry," he said.

"Some further advice will come back to council before the finalisation of the budget".

China's decision to ban certain types of recycling material last year has left councils across Australia unsure about what they will be charged in the future.

Deputy mayor Mark Currie said with the draft budget out for public comment now, it was important ratepayers were told of the final recycling costs and have an opportunity to response before the budget becomes official.

Infrastructure services direct Allan Clark said the council would announce the cost increase before the budget is passed in June.

"With the turmoil in the recycling industry around the world and in particular for us at the moment in Australia, things are changing almost daily," he said.

"There's almost certainly going to be an increase in recycling costs - we don't know what that is at the moment, but we're starting to get a fairly firm idea and if we want to cover those costs, there would need to be a change."

Mayor Dean Rees said the $41 million capital works budget was a record for the council, without increasing the rate rise cap of 2.5 per cent.

Work will begin in 2019-20 on Wangaratta's new swimming pool and organics plant.

"Wangaratta has been something of a well-kept secret. We all know that good things are hidden in the quiet, but it won't be any longer," Cr Rees said.

"I've been proactive for development here in Wangaratta and the progression of Wangaratta and I'm a big believer that comfort is the enemy of progress.

"This budget delivers the investment needed to help Wangaratta grow and we have been extremely ambitious in our plans to put Wangaratta on the map, and attract investment and growth, and we are working on that very, very hard."

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