It's been something of a sport among Bathurst ratepayers and businesses to portray the local council as a heartless, aloof entity concerned only with the bottom line and having no real concern for the city's citizens.

This stimulus package will go a long way to changing that image, but also serves as a reminder that the council is just another business in town facing the same economic headwinds as the rest of us.

The council has overheads to pay, repayments to meet and is working to keep employed its 400-odd staff who rely on the council for their livelihoods.

Like every other business in town, council is trying to balance keeping staff in work while cutting costs where possible, and that's why the economic stimulus package is such a significant gesture.

Council will waive a range of fees or charges for local businesses such as cafes and restaurants, hairdressers and skin businesses, bed and breakfasts and temporary food outlets.

Changes to the current procurement policy will also provide greater opportunities for local businesses and suppliers.

Retention of council services and staff is another key part of the plan and council is working hard to ensure the provision of vital services to the community, in particular, water, sewer, waste, finance (creditors), health and building, planning, engineering and childcare.

Could the package have gone further? Possibly, with rate relief for businesses and residents one area where some may have hoped for greater action.

But already council has predicted a loss of revenue of approximately $465,000 and the initial stimulus measures that are proposed will cost $410,000, making an impact on council's budget of almost $900,000 - a figure that's only expected to grow.

And every dollar lost from the council budget - again, like every business in town - has an impact elsewhere in their profit and loss report.

So before suggesting council has not done enough, think of those extra waivers or rate reductions in terms of possible job losses, and then the idea is not so attractive.

Council is doing what it can, as we all are. And that's what community is all about.