The Clutha District Council voted 10-5 to put forward a new council size of nine councillors plus mayor during its meeting in Balclutha.
The reduction, which is subject to a final appeals period of one month from Monday, would result in the council being reduced from its current 14 councillors and mayor.
During consultation, Clutha District Mayor Bryan Cadogan said the proposed reduction would expand councillor remuneration, allowing a wider pool of candidates — such as younger, working people with families — to stand.
Although that rationale was not challenged during discussions yesterday, the speed and thoroughness of the consultation process was called into question by several councillors, who said they would not support the proposal.
In an opening salvo, Cr Bruce Graham said councillors had been railroaded.
"I won’t be supporting this proposal in any way or form. I feel we’ve been railroaded.
"This is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a councillor, and it’s been rushed and tacked on the end of a long-term plan process. Couple that with the confusion on a couple of questions in the consultation document and I can’t support it," he said.
Crs Brent Mackie and Gaynor Finch both said there was little awareness of the proposed change in their respective communities of Clinton and Milton.
Cr Finch said, although the council had worked hard to spread the word, people remained unaware there was a representation review under way.
"I’ve had many discussions with people who didn’t know anything about it. People just don’t read or pick up when there’s a notice going out. Those I speak to are saying they don’t support the reduction, so I feel I’m unable to support this proposal," she said.
Mr Cadogan said he was "saddened and disappointed" councillors were now questioning their support of the proposal, which he said had been "extensively" consulted upon, during a 12-month process.
"From my point of view, I’m pretty disappointed. We’ve pedantically gone about the steps to reach this point, and I’m saddened we’re now falling into this rabbit hole of ‘gee, nobody told me’.
"I’m sorry to be so blunt, but when did we lose our courage to maintain our own autonomy and direction?"
An appeals period, limited to participants in the original consultation only, ends on November 28.
