The Horizons Regional Council's annual plan is out for consultation as councillors head into local body elections.
At least five councillors have decided to stand down, Whanganui councillor David Cotton said. One of them is long-standing Palmerston North representative Paul Rieger, QSO.
Cotton says he will stand again at the October elections, and there could be a lot of upskilling required if there are many new councillors after that.
Neither Cotton nor fellow Whanganui representative Nicola Patrick found many controversial matters in Horizons' 2019-20 annual plan.
Rates are expected to stay at an average 4.72 per cent increase. There are some extra costs, including an extra $300,000 for insurance.