Cheaper by the half dozen

NEWS councillor numbers at Shellharbour Council could be slashed in half has infuriated some councillors who say the reduction will dramatically affect the level of service provided to the community.

Shellharbour Mayor David Hamilton said the idea of reducing the number of councillors in Shellharbour City from 12 has been brought before the council twice however Councillor Tom Hawker begs to differ, saying while the subject has been brought up in general terms specifics have not been discussed.

Clr Hamilton said by decreasing the number of councillors council stands to save a large sum of money.

He said it is a long term idea beginning with council officers assessing the feasibility of options.

Ultimately it will be the public who will decide on the number of councillors in Shellharbour City.

Clr Hamilton said a referendum would need to be held at the next election in 2008 with any changes not to be implemented until 2012.

"We should seriously investigate our options. I think we need to have an open and frank discussion on the subject," he said.

Clr Hawker said while cutting back councillor numbers may save money it is not the best thing to do for residents.

"Council does a lot of things which do not make money such as libraries and no one is calling on those to be shut down," he said.