Lacombe City Council approved its 2017 operating budget last night, but not before debating the increase in the cost of living expense for city workers.

In a 6 to 1 decision council voted to keep COLA for its employees but in turn, passed a motion to give up their COLA at a rate of 1.28%.

The debate followed strong dissapproval from rate payers following the budget survey and a backlash on social media.

Mayor Steve Christie says its dissapointing that people hide behind their computers, which doesn't carry the same weight as voicing concerns face to face "when we pass those people on the street, when we're with those people at functions, nothing is said.  I think when we offer ourselves to the public that is more time that we take away from our families, from our lives, and I know it's part of the job, it's part of what you sign up for.  But to get a turn out of 20 people for the most important document of the year within your community, it's a little disappointing".

Christie adds the 1.28% cost of living increase Council members voted not to take "is not a huge number, especially individually, and we're definitely not here for the money and our wages are set by a committee, and I would like to see that committee made up of members of the community".

A 3.26% tax increase was approved by Council last night, the final rate will be set in the spring and could be further impacted by the education tax the City collects on behalf of the province.