Debate raged around the report which recommended that council's general manager Ron Posselt advise the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) of council's intention to submit an SRV application.

Before putting the motion to a vote Cr Hogan accused Crs Peter Epov, Kathryn Bell and Robyn Jenkins of "negativity" regarding a solution to fixing local roads.

"You just say no with no offer of anything positive for the future," Cr Hogan said.

Cr Hogan then referred to a letter written by Taree resident Barry Wright and published in the Manning River Times on Wednesday, December 9.

In the letter Mr Wright suggests a new funding arrangement to meet council needs.

"At least he has the brains to offer a solution," Cr Hogan said.

Speaking against the potential SRV, Cr Epov took aim at the research and survey process that was undertaken by council.

Cr Epov said the proposed SRV didn't take into account rising costs over the six year period.

"It appears there was no factoring incorporated in calculations for annual rising costs and prices," Cr Epov said.

"Now is the time to drop this and look at it next year."

"I remain unconvinced that our community wants it or can afford it," Cr Bell said in opposing the report recommendations.

Cr Christensen, who supported the SRV, acknowledged that "you're not going to get everyone or many on board for a rate rise or SRV," but said that in his experience many businesses supported fixing the local road network.

Crs Jenkins, Bell and Epov opposed the motion, with Crs Hogan, West and Christensen voting for it.

Cr Hogan used his deciding vote to support the motion.

Crs Alan Tickle, Trent Jennison and David Keegan were absent from the meeting.

The report also recommended that funds raised be quarantined to specifically fund the maintenance and renewal of roads.

Community consultation involved a week long pop-up shop where council staff explained the proposed rate rise, as well as an independent telephone survey and an online survey.

Following this process the refined proposal now advocates a 6.9 per cent rate increase, inclusive of a rate peg, down from the 8.4 per cent increase that was originally proposed.

The proposal includes a 35 per cent discount on this increase for eligible pensioners, by increasing the pensioner rebate by this amount each year.

General manager Ron Posselt will now advise IPART of council's intention to submit an application for the SRV.

A further report will be considered in January prior to the deadline for applications to IPART in February.

lachlan.leeming@fairfaxmedia.com.au