
Spokesman Norman Marsh said there were a core group of about 12 people actively involved.
Their purpose was to challenge the council to get back to basics, he said.
Water, sewerage, roads and libraries were all core council business but being involved in tourism was not, he said.
They were forming small groups who would look into the areas concerning ratepayers.
Each group would report back to the meetings meaning a wider range of topics and information could be gathered more quickly.
They were interested in talking to other groups, such as Groundswell, about how they had gained traction and brought people along with their cause.
Teviot Valley Community Board member Gill Booth was helping with contacts who would be able to help the group take a deep dive into publicly available council information on finance and governance.
The group had discussed with the Central Otago District Council about releasing their agendas up to 10 days before meetings to allow the group to get together and raise discussion points.
They had also met council staff to discuss the state of roading in the area.
The possibility of the new Roxburgh swimming pool being handed to the council was also of concern, as it could mean another rates increase to fund it.
With about 1900 residents, the Teviot Valley includes Lake Roxburgh Village, Millers Flat, Ettrick, and Roxburgh township.
Nearly 60% of the people living there were between 15 and 64 years old and about 30% were over 65.
Anyone living in the area was welcome to join the Ratepayers and Residents Group, Mr Marsh said.
The next meeting would be in the Ettrick Hall on February 12.