However the council stands to save more than $1 million due to the absence of councillors if it remains under administration until 2012.

The administrator's costs of $139,237 include a salary of $80,000 and general expenses of $10,000, while last week Mr Jesson approved an accommodation allowance reimbursement of $250 a week.

Shellharbour council's original budget allocated $353,019 for councillor fees and expenses for 12 months. Because of the council's dismissal, ratepayers saved an additional $360,000 that had been put aside to pay for the September local government elections.

"Anyone who has any query about my costs I'm not shy, get on the phone and give me an opinion," Mr Jesson said.

"But they should be prepared for some robust discussion because I've got to say ratepayers come out of that package pretty well at the end of the day.

"As for saving a million dollars I acknowledge that is a lot of money, but I'm genuine when I say you can't put a price on democracy, it is something that should be cherished and treasured."

In March then Local Government Minister Paul Lynch declared that the three Wollongong council administrators should each receive a salary of $80,000 per year, together with travel and out-of-pocket expenses, to be paid from the council's consolidated fund. On average the Wollongong administrators spend just over two days each week at the council.

However, Mr Jesson, now a resident of Shell Cove, said it was his intention to be available to ratepayers Monday to Friday.

"Not because I have to spend that amount of time addressing recommendations ... I like to give people the opportunity to come in and meet me," Mr Jesson said.

"I also like to attend civic functions and meetings as much as possible ... it is important the community understands there are still avenues available to them to share their thoughts and make requests."

Mr Jesson said a recommendation to reduce the number of councillors from 12 to nine could also result in savings.