An informal poll of ODT readers found 86% did not want rates increased above the pencilled in figure of 3.8% to cover unbudgeted projects, such as a Mosgiel pool.
But Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull says the time for input has ended and the time for decisions is now - no matter how difficult they may be.
''I don't think council decisions will be made on a media poll, regardless of the good faith it was done in,'' Mr Cull told the ODT.
''We have to go off the submissions we have received.''
The council received 2178 submissions on its long term plan, which included a $15 million aquatics centre in Mosgiel as an unfunded item. Almost half (1030) the submissions mentioned the pool.
Mr Cull said last week a ''substantial rates rise'' was a possibility if the council was to accommodate all the projects and items the community wanted.
''When people submit to the plan and say `We want you to spend money', I have to believe they realise that comes from increased rates,'' he said.
''I'm going in [to long term plan deliberations] with an open mind.
''We know our staff have found some savings and underspend from the previous year that might be able to help to some extent, but until we put all the figures together ... it's a bit difficult to know where we will end up.''
He was not surprised by the strong reaction against a proposed rates hike, saying ''no doubt there will be difficult decisions''.
''We all want new things, but no one wants to pay for them.''
Rates for the 2015 16 year have been gauged at 3.8% - already above the council's self imposed aspiration of 3%.
It was difficult to accommodate new projects of any description without a rates increase because the Local Government Cost Index had risen at an average of 3% per annum for the past two decades, Mr Cull said.
''We would expect the rates to rise by 3% just to stand still,'' he said.
ODT reader Lorna Wallace said she disagreed with a rates rise because rates were ''far too dear now and when you are on a pension you can't afford them''.
Another reader, Brian Andrews, said those who would benefit from the proposed projects should stump up the cash.
''If Mosgiel people want it [the pool], let them pay for it,'' he said.
Mr Cull said the council would upset some of the community no matter what decision was made, but believed this year's rates rise would be less contentious than other issues in the past.
''Bear in mind in the past we have had rates increases in the double digits,'' he said.
The long term plan will not be finalised until June.
