Local councils are becoming restricted by "nonsensical changes made by people sitting in offices" according to Cowra Shire Councillor Bruce Miller.
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Cr Miller made the comment during discussion of motions thanking those involved in the planning of Cowra's Christmas Street Festival and Cowra Business Chamber's win in the NSW Business Chamber awards.
In the past, councillors could just raise a desire to write to the organisations at the end of a council meeting but are now required to put their intention to do so in writing.
"Have we been directed that we cannot deal with matters of urgency or something that might happen in our community?" Cr Miller asked.
Mayor Bill West said matters could still be raised but had to be ruled appropriate by the meeting chair.
"The provision is still there for a matter of urgency to be raised and the council vote on the matter of urgency and the chair rule that it is a matter of urgency," Cr West said.
"These matters [before December's meeting] technically could be dealt held over for a month," Cr West said, which prompted Cr Miller to ask "Why would you do that? This has got to the stage of ludicrousy".
"We can't do anything, we can't acknowledge people unless it is formally done by the mayor ruling [it is] a matter of urgency.
"The whole thing is stupid.
"The community needs to understand how restricted their council and councillors have become because of nonsensical changes made by people sitting in offices somewhere, hiding away with no idea, no understanding of what councils do," Cr Miller said.
The council unanimously voted to approve both recommendations to write the letters of congratulation.
