RATEPAYERS need to have more input into forming Hepburn Shire Council's financial plans, according to Holcombe ward councillor Bill McClenaghan.

Cr McClenaghan ran two community consultation meetings last week in an attempt to get more people to lodge submissions on the council's 10-year financial plan and this year's budget.

Last Monday night's meeting at Glenlyon attracted about 10 people, while six attended a meeting at Daylesford Town Hall on Wednesday.

Cr McClenaghan said he hoped people acted on their views and lodged a submission before last Friday's deadline.

"It was up to ratepayers to have their say about the budget.

"I wouldn't like people to wait until it's too late and then complain about it a few months down the track," Cr McClenaghan said.

Councillors voted on whether to adopt the 2007/08 budget at last night's council meeting in Creswick.

The budget took several months to compile and included a series of public meetings across the shire.

Although the time to lodge submissions on the budget has lapsed, Cr McClenaghan encouraged people to have their say about the council's controversial 10-year financial plan, which includes building a $5 million administration

centre.

A subsequent rate rise of 12 per cent will occur in 2009/10.

Rates will again rise by 8.5 per cent the next year and a further 8.3 per cent in 2011/12.

"The new building is a huge decision and the community needs to be apart of the process," Cr McClenaghan said.

Hepburn Shire residents have until July 27 to have their say on the 10-year plan.

Council corporate services director Chris Cowley said the 10-year plan would be reviewed annually to reflect any changing circumstances.

The council's community rate review committee can provide feedback on the rate proposals.

The council has incorporated the committee's recommendations into its rating calculations in the past two years.