Argyll and Bute set its 2019/20 budget yesterday, with non-statutory services bearing the brunt of cuts to plug a funding gap of almost £8m.
Council leader Aileen Morton described the budget as ‘responsible’ in the face of substantial challenges.
She said: “Cuts mean that we have had to make tough decisions about even the most valued council services.
“Today, as much as possible, we have protected vital services, we have listened to the views of local people.
“In the circumstances this is the best budget, a responsible budget for Argyll and Bute.”
The council agreed the maximum rise in council tax permitted by the Scottish Government of 4.79%.
This will see Band D rise from £1,249 to £1,308.
Councillors also agreed a £500,000 reduction in council management costs over the next three years.
It rejected proposals to remove school crossing patrollers, close customer service points, reduce grounds and environment services and increase parking charges.
The council agreed an extra £500,000 for winter maintenance; an additional £2m for the Health and Social Care Partnership; £120,000 to bring the Royal National Mod to Oban in 2023; £23,330 for Kintyre Recycling Limited.
Councillor Gary Mulvaney, depute leader and policy lead for strategic finance said: “We have had to prioritise our statutory duties first and foremost, which inevitably means that those non-statutory, but equally valuable and important services, have to bear the brunt of cuts.
“With the help of local people, through council tax, we can support essential public services.
“What we are doing is taking prudent decisions which protect services and jobs as much as possible through the best use of finance, resources and technology.
“The priority that underpins everything we do is that of prudential financial management. And we will continue that focus – to do the right thing, take the right action, make the right choices, in, for and with Argyll and Bute.”