But despite council promising ratepayers' "overall bill will be reduced by 3 per cent", not everyone believes them. Former Wodonga Council manager Charlie Mitchell said after hearing councillors' comments on the budget the council "failed to serve the community".

"Councillors who supported the high rate budget have failed to redress the $18 million waste overcharging and also failed to serve the community," he said.

"I commend those councillors who have deliberated on the financial impact of high rates on families, the elderly and young home buyers."

Chief executive officer Mark Dixon said the rate increase is in line with the state government rate cap.

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Mayor Anna Speedie said despite "everyone wanting lower rates" the community don't think about what services they will lose.

"We need to be careful when we ask for lower rates because interestingly when looking at the feedback those people ask for more, not less, services," she said.

Councillors agreed there is "no hiding" Wodonga's high rates but this budget is continuing to help reduce household costs.

The budget report said following receipt of the Victorian Valuer General's final revaluation certification there will be an additional decrease of 3 per cent compared with the 2018-2019 year. The reduction in overall rates includes a $112 reduction in the Waste Management Levy.

The budget includes a $300,000 contribution to Hockey Wodonga for a new pavilion and $25,000 to the Martin Park netball courts which is $50,000 project, the club is putting in the other half.

The budget expects to have $369,007 cash on hand with an operating revenue of $1.922 million.

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