Mayor Jenny O'Connor said it was not right for the seven councillors and additional staff to gather in the chambers at a time where people have been advised to isolate.

"We don't want to hold things up, but we do have to respect people's rights to remain at home for the sake of their own health and to make it clear to the community that this is serious. These orders from the state and federal government apply to us all," she said.

"Some of the councillors have expressed to me that they believe it's really important that we send the right messaging to our community because there is a bit of confusion."

Victorian legislation requires councillors to hold their meetings in-person, meaning they cannot use the video conference method being taken up by business around the world.

Cr O'Connor said she was not sure if this would need a special sitting of Parliament to fix or if Local Government Minister Adem Somyurek has the power to change the rules himself with Victoria in a declared state of emergency.

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"As soon as we've been given that advice, we will hold our regular council meeting," she said.

"The decision from the majority of councillors was that we defer the meeting until such time as we get instructions from the local government minister.

"My understanding is that process is underway.

"Minister Somyurek has been approached by a number of mayors."

Councillors were keen to hold the meeting as soon as possible to look as issues such as a COVID-19 pandemic plan and rate relief for the next quarter.

"It's important to understand that a couple of our councillors are in the 70-plus age group, so they're not meant to leave their homes at all, Cr O'Connor said.

"There are other councillors that, for their own reasons, are wanting to stay at home.

"We also want to reinforce the fact that the main messaging from the government is stay home if you can, have no more than two people meeting at a time.

"I don't want to send out confusing messages to the public when so many people are at risk in our community."

Wangaratta Council has supported its neighbour in the need to hold meetings remotely.

"Council would support a variation or change to allow meetings to occur without councillors physically meeting face to face, and without a public gallery in attendance," a spokesman said.

"As there is some time before the April council meeting we will continue to advocate through the Municipal Association of Victoria with the hope there will be advice from the state government prior to council needing to consider other options."

Wodonga Council was still willing to hold it's April meeting in person if required.

"Obviously, we highly recommend that members of the public do not attend the public gallery, rather they should monitor the meeting, via the livestreaming service offered," a spokeswoman said.

"There are challenges associated with getting a quorum of councillors for meetings and most councils are exploring how this can be managed by additional delegations to the CEO (with checks and balances) during the crisis."