Following a recent letter drop across the local government area, residents were invited to provide feedback on the proposal.
A total of 12 submissions were received and considered at the April council meeting.
Councillors have now resolved to extend consultation further, with a series of community drop-in sessions.
The initial sessions are as follows:
- Jerilderie - May 13, Council Chambers, 6pm to 8pm.
- Coleambally - May 20, Coleambally Community Hall, 6pm to 8pm.
- Darlington Point - May 21, Council Chambers, 6pm to 8pm.
These will be followed by more, daytime drop-in sessions in June.
An online survey is also available. Printed copies are available at council offices.
The sessions will allow residents to ask questions, seek more information and provide direct feedback to councillors and senior staff.
Like many rural councils, Murrumbidgee Council is facing rising costs while also taking on additional responsibilities from the NSW and Federal Governments, often without additional funding.
Council is focused on improving productivity and efficiency rather than increasing rates through a potential Special Rate Variation in the future.
Covering almost 7000km², travel and logistics make up a significant part of Murrumbidgee Council’s operations, making efficiency improvements an important consideration.
General manager John Scarce said under the proposed model, staff would continue to work their full weekly hours across four longer days, from Monday to Thursday.
Council offices, depots and libraries would be closed on Fridays.
There would be no reduction in total service hours, with the current 35 hours of weekly customer service delivered across extended operating days.
Libraries would operate four days per week. Outdoor staff would continue to work a 38-hour week, across four days.
“We are looking at practical ways to deliver services more efficiently, so we can continue meeting community needs without increasing pressure on ratepayers,” Mr Scarce said.
“This consultation is an important step in making sure any future decision is well-informed and reflects the views of our community.”
Council has identified potential benefits, including improved access to services through longer daily hours, increased efficiency through reduced travel and site set-up time, and estimated productivity savings of around $1.1 million per year.
Other benefits may include improved service consistency, environmental gains through reduced travel, and stronger staff attraction and retention.
Essential services such as water and sewer, animal control, emergency callouts, early learning and childcare services, caravan parks and swimming pools will continue to operate as normal.
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