The motion, to increase rates for council services, was unanimously approved at the council meeting on Monday and includes details about increasing costs to cover the cost of a one entry token for the Launceston Waste Centre and Transfer Station.

"Residential properties have also been rated to cover a charge of $4 for the proposed one entry token provided for the Launceston Waste Centre and Transfer Station,” the report, tabled to the aldermen read.

General rates will increase from $275 to $282.70 per property for the 2018-19 financial year.

The waste management charge has increased by 2.8 per cent and has been rounded two whole dollars. 

“The overall aim in generating rate revenue is to fund services while maintaining rating equity and keeping rate increases to a minimum,” the report read.

Alderman Janie Finlay said she was comfortable supporting the motion, because it had gone through an extensive community consultation process.

At last month’s council meeting, aldermen expressed public disappointment that the community had not fully engaged with the process, with no submissions received for the draft budget plan.

Alderman Hugh McKenzie said the budget was a work in progress but aldermen tried to ensure as little disruption on ratepayers as possible.

“If we could have a zero [per cent] rate included that would be fantastic, but it’s not realistic,” he said.

“It’s a balance for us at the council to make sure we get the rate right.”

Deputy Mayor Rob Soward, who chaired the meeting in Mayor Albert van Zetten’s absence, said while there was a rate rise, the budget “had something for everyone”.

”When I look at this budget I truly see there is something for everyone, it is great to see how the funds trickle down into all the different areas of our community,” he said.