COUNCILS have had enough of the government's "cost-shifting" and called on the state to stump up for its responsibilities like emergency services.
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Currently, local government is expected to chip in for these services provided in their areas, but the region's mayors say it's unfair.
"It's pretty unreasonable for local government," Tamworth mayor Col Murray said.
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"They're restricted with increases for rates, but just keep getting these new and additional costs imposed by the state.
"It can only come from one area and that's a reduction in normal council services."
Tamworth Regional Council has written to the minister and Local Government NSW calling for change, but no word has been received since.
Liverpool Plains Shire Council has joined the fight and called for a fairer deal from the government.
The council was hit with a $436,193 bill from the state government for its emergency services contribution.
This was almost $84,000 more than last year's bill.
Mayor Andrew Hope has called for the state government to foot the increase for the first year and work towards fairness going forward.
"The poor planning and implementation of the increase is inconsistent with the government's commitment to work in partnership with local government," Cr Hope said.
"Proportional to council revenue, the extra $84,000 [council] is being asked to pay is a large amount and the impact of this unplanned cost will have negative impacts for the whole community."