Ratepayers continue to be split over how new sewerage schemes in Benhar and Tokoiti should be funded.
About 15 people last night presented verbal submissions on the Clutha District Council's proposed funding model for the two schemes.
Over 800 written submissions were made on the proposed Benhar and Tokoiti schemes - townships which comprise a total of about 74 properties.
Last night's hearing provided an opportunity for people who wanted to speak to their submissions.
Earlier this year, 116 submissions were made on the council's 2011-12 annual plan, including 53 about the sewerage schemes.
Phil Barrett, speaking on behalf of the Benhar Consultative Committee, said the group had earlier voted on a system and a funding proposal. The group supported the council's preferred option, under which about 52% of the capital costs of establishing the new schemes would be spread over all other sewerage ratepayers throughout the district.
Mr Barrett said the council's rating system would have "lasting and far-reaching implications" for other smaller communities.
The Tokoiti Community Group spoke out against this option, as did the majority of Tokoiti residents presenting verbal submissions.
Representing the group, Colin Child said the council's preferred option needed to change in favour of "more affordable options" through the implementation of a uniform sewerage charge under which 87% of the cost would be shared by all Clutha communities with a sewerage system, 10% across all ratepayers and the remaining 3% shared between Benhar and Tokoiti ratepayers.
The uniform sewerage rate would be about $319 per year.
Tokoiti residents also highlighted boundary issues - the community was rated as a part of Milton in some areas but considered its own township in others.
Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan dismissed concerns the council had already made up its mind on how to fund the schemes, saying councillors would spend the next two weeks considering options.
Under the council's existing rating policy, the cost of building the schemes would mean an annual sewerage rate of about $1856 per property for Benhar and $2206 for Tokoiti.
Residents maintain this would be an unaffordable burden on them, given low average incomes and a small population/ratepayer base to share the costs.
Residents have a final opportunity to address the council on the sewerage funding options during the public forum at its meeting on December 15.
