The council conducted two days of in-person submissions hearings last week after calling for submissions on the draft 2025-34 long-term plan (LTP) in February.
The 650 submissions to the proposed Waitaki District LTP have been described as a record.
But as Oamaru resident Lisa Howard-Sullivan pointed out to the council as it gathered for its March 25 meeting this week, the 650 record did marry up with comments on every topic in the proposed plan.
Meanwhile, the next stage for the budget setting will begin this Monday.
In a statement last week, the council said the clear message from submitters was the need to reduce costs and rate rises.
"Getting back to basics" was also a key theme from many.
Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher told the Oamaru Mail last week the two-day hearings had been "sobering".
In the statement, Mr Kircher said given the large response, councillors now faced "some tough but important decisions".
"We have heard the concerns around affordability and core services, and we have heard the need to focus our efforts," he said.
The deliberations will include debating the budget and policy direction of the council.
The outcome will be elected representatives directing their officials to adjust the budget and plan accordingly.
Draft changes will then be returned to the council table for further consideration in April and May.
The deliberations this Monday are from 9am to 4pm and on Tuesday from 10.15am.
