A Coffs Harbour City Councillor (CHCC) is critical of a decision to fund a trip to Japan for councillors and staff, and at the same time put rates up.

The council last week voted to send a four person delegation to Coffs Harbour's sister city, Sasebo, later this year.

It is expected to cost more than $17,000 for flights, accomodation and expenses.

Councillor John Arkan says it is the worst possible timing.

"It's very important to have those sister city relationships," he said.

"But at this particular point of time in Coffs Harbour's history, with the ratepayers being asked to spend extra in rates, it's not the correct time to do it."

Cr Arkan said cost-cutting should be a priority.

"The attitude needs to change," he said.

"We need to be able to increase our income which we're asking for with the rates but we also need to be able to make some cuts.

"I ask the fundamental question, where are the cuts?

"Why is the highest paid employee in our Council, the General Manager, why is he going overseas for a chat with the Japanese about our city?

"There's a fundamental flaw."