Shellharbour councillor Peter Moran has accused some of his colleagues of displaying "a rather carefree attitude to the public coin" after they voted to increase their accommodation allowance in capital cities from $320 a night to $500 a night.
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The proposal was included in a review of Shellharbour Council's payment of expenses and provision of facilities policy, which was endorsed by councillors four votes to three.
Cr John Murray successfully moved the motion arguing the $500 limit was for emergency situations only and each application would need the approval of the general manager.
Cr Murray was supported by deputy mayor Paul Rankin who said he had no problem with the limit being lifted as it was "up to" $500 and for emergencies only. However, Cr Moran asked how many councillors had found themselves in an emergency situation where a limit of $500 was required.
"I do have a problem with $500 a night - it is over the top," Cr Moran said. "I would suggest a great many people who rent pay less than that for a week, let alone accommodation for one night.
"I think it shows a rather carefree attitude to the public coin - it sends a bad message that we think we are worth $500 a night for accommodation."
