The NSW Local Government Remuneration Tribunal ruled on a 2.5 per cent increase in March.

It means Mayor Geoff Kettle’s fee rises by $1000 to $41,090. He will also receive a councillor’s salary of $18,840, which increases from $18,380.

The Tribunal reviews Mayoral and councillor fees annually, setting minimum and maximum amounts for representatives in each category of council. It considers economic data, submissions and assessors’ views as part of the process.

Goulburn Mulwaree is classed as a regional rural council.

Local government areas have the option of accepting the minimum or maximum fees for their category. If not, the amount reverts to the minimum.

In Goulburn Mulwaree’s case this would be $18,180 for the Mayor and $8540 for councillors.

At their most recent meeting, councillors unanimously endorsed the maximum amount, with little discussion.

“I wonder if you can double it to make it worthwhile,” Cr Denzil Sturgiss quipped.

The increase takes effect from July 1.