Council voted to adopt the community strategic plan, delivery program, operational plan and budget at last week’s meeting. Cr Olsen voted against the matter.

He said prospective projects, such as the new pool, had no funding allocated towards them in the next four years.

“We’ve got all these projects in the pipeline but no money to pay for them,” he said.

Cr Olsen compared the plan to that of Maitland City Council, which included funding for mall improvements, a major road reconstruction, a new community centre and construction of a regional sporting complex.

“Maitland pays similar rates to us and they’ve got $50 million worth of projects going on. We’ve got none.”

He was also disappointed that no money was allocated for kerb and guttering.

Cessnock Mayor Bob Pynsent said it was a “steady as you go budget” that aimed to keep council financially stable.

The report included a comment from the chief financial officer saying the budget presented a balanced cash budget position in line with council’s traditional budgeting principles.

“Current operations and future commitments continue to exert pressure on council’s capacity to manage our financial position (particularly in the medium to long term),” the report stated.

“However, adopted strategies to address this pressure are expected to provide positive effects.”

The forecast budget showed a $93 cash surplus and a $1.03 million operating loss before capital grants and contributions.

Cr Olsen believed council should go through each department “with a fine tooth comb” to see where costs could be cut, including councillors’ pre-council meeting dinners and pay rises.

He also believes council should sell the art gallery building and move it to the performing arts centre to save money.