RATES are set to rise about 3.5 per cent in Stirling this year, according to a council insider.

Council staff reportedly wanted to slug ratepayers a few extra per cent, but  councillors took out the red pens and whittled it down.

Waste fees are set to remain the same and security fees will increase by around $1. Last year the city increased rates by 3.95 per cent to cover an increase in utility costs, including street lighting and the carbon tax, which equated to a quarter of the increase.