Council dropped its proposed jump of 8.3 per cent to 7.3 per cent when it adopted its 2009-10 budget earlier this week.

Mayor Bill McClenaghan said the decision followed a public feedback and submission process.

"We have been able to deliver a budget that is sympathetic to the challenges of our ratepayers yet contains initiatives to help stimulate the local economy and reflect our commitment to improving the

ongoing liveability of our shire," Cr McClenaghan said.

"We have done everything in our power to reduce expenditure by spreading the annual cost of some programs without reducing service levels," Cr McClenaghan said.

At Tuesday's special council meeting, the proposed mayoral allowance was also dropped from $52,974 to $35,000.

The 2009-10 budget includes a number of new items in response to public submissions, including $20,000 towards the painting of the Trentham Railway Station/Visitor Information Centre and $2500 to assist

with Swiss Italian Festa projects.

"About one third of the rate revenue will contribute towards the repair of our ageing infrastructure including roads and buildings," Cr McClenaghan said.

"Neglecting maintenance of roads and buildings would simply move the problem to the next generation and lead to massive rate hikes in years to come."