VERBAL abuse was discussed at Thursday's budget meeting, with multiple councillors commenting on the increasing levels of public backlash.

The councillor's comments followed a proposal by Mayor Tyson Golder to reduce the amount the council allocates to legal fees in an effort to save $200,000 in legal spending.

Cr Janelle Stanford felt the move would leave councillors vulnerable.

"I have found lately there has been an unfortunate inability for appropriate communication over some matters,” she said.

"In this arena people pull out their lawyers immediately, which prompts us to react similarly.”

Cr Stanford said councillors continued to meet their commitments despite growing resentment.

"Certainly for me, coming into this meeting I feared that if I spoke against some of the things put forward the verbal backlash would be overwhelming,' she said.

"I don't want to have to please everyone, I want to come into the chamber and make informed decisions for the good of the region.

"We give up our time and family life - I would just like some respect.”

Cr Janelle Stanford said the abuse had been continual over the past two years, with councillors fearing tensions would culminate in a "community hall lynching” last year.

Cr Cameron O'Neil said he believed tension within the council exacerbated the issue.

"We have always had robust discussions in council,” Cr O'Neil said.

"The difference now is the people that don't get support around this table are out bagging the council to the community.

"The us-and-them mentality between councillors and the mayor is not good for democracy or the community.”

Cr Golder said councillors had a right to exercise freedom of speech outside the chamber.

"If there is a decision made in this chamber that a councillor is not happy with, a councillor should be allowed to speak in their personal capacity against it,” Cr Golder said.

"That is a fundamental right and, to me, that is healthy debate.

"However I certainly don't agree with people being disrespectful - everything should be done politely.”