''In relation to the differential rating strategy that was adopted at an earlier meeting of council, I am sure if you ask councillors individually we would be happy to respond to any questions regarding why and how they voted.''

While council managed to construct answers for all of the written questions submitted, many questions from the gallery proved more difficult.

Ararat resident Julie Nolan asked several questions regarding the introduction of a municipal charge within Ararat Rural City.

Ms Nolan said she was concerned that increasing the municipal charge each year would create an enormous burden on those with lower value properties.

''Can you say that by imposing a municipal charge of $80 in year one (of the phase in) and increasing it by 50 percent in year two and 25 percent in year three, that this will enormously increase the rate burden on low value residential properties in a very short space of time,'' Ms Nolan said.

Cr Allgood said it was difficult to respond to long and complex problems on the spot.

''That's a little bit hard to answer. I would love to have actually had the question earlier today so as we could answer it in the correct vein but I will try to address some of the issues as I see them,'' she said.

Cr Allgood asked Ms Nolan and other members of the gallery who posed a question during the meeting to submit them as part of submissions.

''So we can answer them in their correct vein instead of me just standing here and rattling off the top of my head,'' she said.

All written questions put to council have been followed up with a formal written response from council.

Cr Allgood said council wished to thank the community for expressing is opinions.

''I want to thank our ratepayers for their questions and concerns,'' she said.

''We would like you to continue and encourage your involvement with council, not just at budget time, but also when other important decisions are being made.

''The agenda is freely available to everyone.''