During the last council meeting on May 12, Councillor Gianpiero Battista put a motion forward that would encourage councillors and council staff to voluntarily donate 10% of their income back into council funds during a time where the 20/21 Draft Budget and Operational Plan was being approved which included a cashflow deficit of $282,000 after cuts of $2 million were made to get it to that point. $1-$1.5 million of this was due to the impacts of coronavirus.

The motion was deferred following legal advice to General Manager Shelley Oldham due to Cnr Battista's wording of the motion.

Cnr Battista then called for an urgency motion which was dismissed by Mayor Isaac Smith so now the motion is due to be re-heard on the June 9 council meeting in two weeks.

Cnr Battista said that the 10% model was based on modelling from the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

"I am frustrated and disappointed this was not finalised at the last council meeting", Cnr Battista declared.

"We have the chance to show the community we are supporting them", Cnr Battista said, "I am proposing that the money councillors raise go to rate payers and money raised from staff go to general funds to keep some services and staff jobs".

According to Cnr Battista this would mean $155 per month from the monthly Councillor wage of $1,555. "If everyone could afford to do this and we could donate for 12 months this would raise $3.8 million from a total wages bill of $38 million", Cnr Battista added.

General Manager Shelley Oldham was confused about the frustration from Cnr Battista.

"A specific bank account has been opened up for contributions to be made into", Ms Oldham said, "and an email has been sent to all councillors and staff outlining the details".

Cnr Battista was concerned where the money would be distributed because it has not been officially stated as yet with Ms Oldham saying "that is up to councillors to decide".

Now, we wait for the June 9 council meeting and to see if Cnr Battista's motion will be on the agenda and how much support it will receive from the other councillors.