Three of these increases were extraordinary increases above the pegged rate.

Not only has council continually jacked up rates but made corresponding increases in fees and charges.

Then they got creative and simply made up a septic tax. The total tax burden over this period has has gone up over 80 per cent.

The Hastings is a community where a big chunk of the populous survives on the pension and those of us with jobs have seen our pay packet flatline over the last five years.

Now the mayor has proposed, what seems like a reasonable proposal, a rates freeze.

The response from several councilors and the General Manager is, if rates don't go up then the sky will fall.

Without even addressing the overall issue of management and whether the sky will really fall, why doesn't council simply ask the electorate if they can afford yet another increase in the tax burden.

It would be pretty simple, just slot it in next to the fluoride question.

Rick Sharp

Pappinbarra