The changes were included in the minutes of a report from a policy review panel presented and approved by Melton Shire councillors at last week's meeting.

No details of the car's cost or the credit cards were included in the minutes of the monthly, closed-doors policy review meeting.

Diggers Rest Residents Association president Leone Downey said it was a "ridiculous" waste of ratepayers' money that could be better spent on increasing services in small townships.

"It's becoming like a paid position. Why the deputy mayor needs a car I don't know.

"She can use her own like everybody else."

But Exford Residents and Landowners' Association president John Rees said if there was a need for a car, then "so be it".

Caroline Springs Residents Association president Joy Cox said the car and credit cards were reasonable provided they were used sensibly and only for council business.

Corporate services manager Kel Tori told the Express Telegraph the car, most likely a Toyota Camry or similar, would cost about $25,000 and the credit cards would have a $2000 limit.

He said the changes were within policy guidelines, but the major difference is that the mayor, Justin Mammarella, and deputy mayor, Kathy Majdlik, can now use the credit card for expenses upfront.

In the past, a councillor had to ask the council to pay the cost or pay for it out of their own pocket and submit an expense claim which would need approval by the chief executive, Neville Smith.

The credit cards can be used for food and drinks when it relates to council business, such as a meeting with a business leader.

Cr Mammarella said the deputy mayor's role involved attending many functions and the council should have a car available for that purpose.