SOUTHERN Downs Regional councillors have rejected a 2.3% pay rise, six months after it was first proposed.

The councillors voted unanimously to redirect the $14,000 worth of pay rises to the council's operational budget.

For the mayor that meant turning down an extra $2700 a year, while the deputy mayor turned down $1900 and the councillors $1400 each.

Last year the councillors gave themselves nearly double that figure, voting in favour of a 4.5% increase.

Local government councillor and mayoral wages are determined by the Remuneration and Discipline Tribunal, with the councils given the power to object to the raise.

Cr Jamie Mackenzie was particularly vocal on the issue during discussions, stating accepting a pay rise would "not be a good look" for the regional council given its current financial situation.

"We have to get the council out of our financial situation," he said.

"It may require increased borrowings, laying off staff or projects or increasing rates.

"It would not be a good look for councillors getting increased wages."

While the council has missed the boat on making an official submission against the increases, chief executive David Keenan confirmed the councillors could redirect the pay rise to other areas of the budget.

Cr Mackenzie also questioned Mayor Peter Blundell on why the pay increase talk hadn't come before the council earlier so a submission could have been made.

"I'd like to ask the question of why didn't this come to us in January?" he said.

Cr Blundell confirmed it had been an oversight on his behalf.

While it's not yet known what the money will be redirected to, Cr Mackenzie offered a number of suggestions.

"That extra money could well be used for spending on something like an off-leash park for dogs, park maintenance or other community services," he said.

Deputy Mayor Ross Bartley was also firm in his belief the councillors not accept their pay rise.

"There are plenty of other areas we can redirect that to," he said.

"I'd prefer it to be spent in the operational budget."

Under the 2.3% increase, the mayor's annual wage would have jumped to $120,226, the deputy mayor's to $75,141 and the councillors' to $63,870.