Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's request to be reclassified as a regional strategic area has been knocked back.
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Council was advised of the decision at its May meeting.
In a submission to the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal, council requested a move from the Regional Rural category to the Regional Strategic Area category.
Alternatively, the council suggested consideration be given to creating a new category within the existing Regional Rural category.
The requests were declined.
The impact means that councillor and mayoral fees will be maintained within the Reginal Rural band.
Councillors will receive the maximum of $19,790 while the mayor will receive a total of $62,960.
In the report tabled at the meeting, councillors were told that the annual fee is payable for the financial year compmencing July 1, 2018.
The fees are adjusted annually.
The tribunal determined an increase of 2.5% to the fees.
The total costs for the mayoral and councillors' allowance is $221,280.
But one councillor noted the need for a new classification.
Cr Lisa Intemann said: "Clearly, there is a need for a new category in the classification that recognises the importance of this region as a growth area," she said.
