Working through the budget line by line, councillors and staff tried to nut out ideas on how to continue slashing spending and costs for the coming years.

A number of possibilities were brought up on ways to save money.

However, questions raised did little to find the large sum of money council needs.

Councillor Neil Smith questioned development application fees, expressed concerns on current staff numbers and even talked about a cut in councillor’s fees.

Questions over increases in development application fees were met with little chance for major revenue or savings, while suggestions of councillor fee cuts were knocked back with council legally unable to do so.

Cr Smith expressed his concerns over the “natural attrition” of staff members as council considers not replacing staff who leave. “I’m concerned we are already at rock bottom on staff and pruning back,” he said.

Manager for engineering services Colin Macaulay agreed, stating at present, outdoor staff numbers were at a low, but council had the discretion to determine if the level of current service can afford to fall.

“It will all depend on the amount of customer action requests which come in as a guide,” he said.

Questions over proposed works in the budget by Cr Ron Macpherson showed little chance of saving.

Projects which now remain in the plan, such as work to the Junee wetlands, are all to be achieved through grant funding.

Discussions were also raised over council cars, burial charges and the sale of land.

Council’s manager of corporate services John Whitfield said breathing space in the next financial year was available, but councillors would need to report back by the December meeting to address the issues council would face in 2012-2014.