But so far, the Goulburn Mulwaree mayor says he and his colleagues are getting nowhere when it comes to achieving equitable councillor remuneration.

They're going to try, anyway.

Cr Kirk has made a submission to the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal's review of councillor pay and council categories for 2020.

The Tribunal proposes that Goulburn Mulwaree be grouped in the 'regional rural' category with 12 other councils, including Eurobodalla, Griffith and Snowy Monaro.

It's the same classification as currently exists, but the mayor maintains there's little difference between a regional and metropolitan council and there should be equal pay.

"Our councillors earn $20,280 per year for up to 25 hours a week," he wrote.

"That's only $14 per hour to operate a multi-million business.

"The average director board fee is $58,000 for private companies and $88,000 for publicly listed companies.

"Even small 'not-for-profit' organisations have an average director fee of $26,000.

"The minimum wage is $18.93 per hour or $37,300 per year."

He argues this makes it difficult for people with businesses, young children or inflexible work hours to be councillors.

A mayor in the regional rural category receives an extra $44,250 on top of the councillor fee.

In contrast, a mayor in a 'principal CBD council,' such as Sydney City, receives a maximum $222,510 and councillors, $40,530.

Mayors in the 'large metro' category are paid $88,600 and councillors, $30,410.

Cr Kirk said that, far from complaining about his lot, he knew what to expect when he took over the role from Geoff Kettle.

Mr kettle had been virtually a "full-time mayor".

"When he stood down, everyone was surprised," Cr Kirk said.

"I always said to him, 'pity the poor bugger who has to step into your shoes,' never expecting that I would.

"I stepped up with some trepidation, but soon found that I was comfortable in the role and moving to the next level wasn't too onerous. I have great pride in the place and I'm glad to do it."

But Cr Kirk said he couldn't do the job without the "wonderful support" of his wife, Christel; nor could he put in the hours if he wasn't retired.

Similarly, Mr Kettle was only able to commit the time because his partner ran the Marulan newsagency.

But before him, Cr Carol James had to balance her mayoral duties with running a real estate agency.

"It would have made life difficult for her," he said.

"They all put in because of a sense of responsibility, not because of the remuneration package, and that's still the case."

Cr Kirk said he was rarely home before 6pm and in some busy weeks was lucky to have dinner at his house.

His hours ranged from a minimum 39 up to 63 a week, including weekend events.

Aside from bi-monthly meetings, councillors attend briefing sessions, have voluminous reading and meet with ratepayers about issues.

Cr Andrew Banfield said he devoted an average 20 hours a week, on top of his full-time job.

"The money doesn't compensate you for the hours, but we don't do it for the money," he said.

Cr Kirk told the Goulburn Post he thoroughly enjoyed the mayoral role and was happy to represent the council at such functions and listen to people's concerns.

He intends to run for another term, come the September 2020 elections.

The mayor said he was only raising the matter due to the Tribunal's review.

Councillors endorsed his submission that the Tribunal reduce the number of local government categories.

"This council's submssion is that all regional councils be re-categorised to that of metropoiltan councils to create fairness and equity across the sector," Cr Kirk wrote.

"We live in a multicultural society where the focus for all people is equity and fairness.

"The amount paid to councillors in regional local government flies in the face of those principles."

But he doesn't believe the Tribunal will take any notice.

"I've been on council 12 years and we continue to make this input but for some reason there's a reluctance to make councillors' role any more recognised than it is," he told the Goulburn Post.

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