Council has been selling the concept for six months by presenting three options for public opinion online, at community forums, and by posted leaflet.

The first option was to maintain the existing rates cap increase of 3 per cent per annum.

This option was poisoned with the promise of lost jobs, the closure of libraries, swimming pools and the performing arts centre, reductions in mowing, road repairs, and litter collection, and cuts in all other services and infrastructure.

Despite the negatives, 28 per cent of the people surveyed supported this option.

The second option, requiring a residential rates increase of an average 7.7 per cent and business rates by 9.9 per cent for seven years, attracted 22 per cent of the vote.

This option would maintain current service levels for three years after which some services would improve.

The third - and council's desired option - requires a residential rates increase of a mammoth 9.8 per cent for seven years, and a business rates slug of 12.8 per cent.

It was presented with a rosy picture promise of vastly improved services and infrastructure.

Col Roach, president of the Bonnells Bay Progress Association, said he attended two community forums on the proposals.

"I voted for the third option purely on the basis of what council presented to us. I imagine other people will have done the same," Mr Roach said.

Morisset resident Robin Hopwood said there should have been a fourth option.

"A properly-run council with staff working a normal 38 hours a week, no sustainability department costing a fortune, and scrap all money-wasting projects like the worm farm. That option would have received top support, I suspect," Mr Hopwood said.

Council's corporate services director, Wayne Jack, said that not only did 72 per cent of the 3257 people surveyed support a rate increase but 50 per cent voted for option three.

Councillors will decide tonight which, if any, of the options will go forward as a request to government.