St Bathans should be a "special case" and have its water costs and rubbish disposal funded by the district because the town attracts so many visitors, the Vincent Community Board was told this week.
St Bathans resident Lorraine English said the township had four permanent residents and about 40 ratepayers, yet it seemed to have been ignored in the Central Otago District Council's long-term plan.
She asked for council funding for rubbish disposal, an upgrade of the town water supply and the salary of a raceman to maintain and measure the water supply.
"St Bathans is promoted as a tourist destination and we receive thousands of visitors a year," Ms English said.
The township needed more support from the council, including follow-up on matters raised in the community plan, which was prepared several years ago.
Board member Mary Flannery said water and wastewater charges in each town were rated on the users of those services.
Ms English said St Bathans residents paid for district-wide services, such as roading and libraries, so she thought it was fair to ask others to help pay the water costs in St Bathans.
"We're supporting a huge tourist population," she said.