At its council meeting on Wednesday, all but one councillor voted to seek approval from the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) to introduce the hike.

As part of the Special Rate Variation (SRV), council is seeking to increase rates by up to 25.97 per cent over the course of three years.

It's a jump of almost eight per cent each financial year, with two per cent rate pegging factored in.

Deputy Mayor Ken Cudmore and councillor Paul Moules spoke in favor of the motion, while Cr Virginia Black was the "lone" figure in opposition.

The council held forums in Wallabadah, Quirindi, Currabubula, Werris Creek, Spring Ridge, Premer, and Willow Tree, which were well-attended according to Mayor Doug Hawkins.

"Everyone had a chance to have their say ... there was some solid debate and that's what it's all about," Cr Hawkins previously said.

About 300 interviews were then conducted over the phone, interviewing residents right across the shire.

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The move follows Armidale Shire Council, who also voted to apply to IPART for a rate rise.

At the end of January, council voted to seek a permanent SRV of 8.5 per cent plus 2.0 per cent rate peg commencing in 2021-22. It would be a total of 10.5 per cent increase.