Suggestions floated at last week's meeting included a reassessment of the bridge program and a deferral of some reconstructions in favour of money being spent elsewhere.

Infrastructure services director Dino De Paoli pointed out that pushing bridge reconstructions back would see an increase in risk for people using the infrastructure.

Cr Deb White said she trusted the abilities of the council's experts to set a budget that was fair and necessary.

"It's easy to look at and say that's a lot of money but I have trust in our staff," she said.

"It is really important that we do maintain our little bridges."

Mayor Craig Perkins said it was important the bridge money was in the budget in case it needed to be spent.

Cr Bob Richardson appeared unimpressed.

He said he trusted the expertise of the council's staff but was concerned that residents of Westbury, Bracknell and Hagley would be left behind.

He referred to Australian philosopher Peter Singer when casting his negative vote.

"An inordinate amount of money is spent on rural bridges - far, far more than is likely to ever be collected in rates," Cr Bob Richardson said.

"It has meant that a whole heap of other settlements in the municipality have been left with facilities that are third world."

Included in the program was $4.75 million for the renewal and replacement of infrastructure assets, $2.10 million upgrade works and $1.97 million in projects.

A motion from Cr Andrew Connor to allocate $45,000 to public wi-fi was carried.