The council has confirmed the $161k cost of holding a recent by-election, due to the shift to single-member wards – rather than a simple countback of votes from the last election.

While the State Government says the new system increases accountability, ratepayers are feeling the pinch of the pricey Lockwood Ward rerun, according to the Bendigo Advertiser.

Former councillors warn the previous system was just as effective—and cost a fraction of the price.

It also means it takes much longer to fill a vacancy.

Donna Nicholas has been declared the winner of the by-election held last month, replacing John McIlrath, who resigned last November.