Cr Michael Farley said it was unfair on residents, two of whom were in the public gallery waiting until after midnight to hear a particular item.

He put the marathon meeting down to Mayor Janet Halsall ordering Cr Kevin Bradford to leave the chamber for one hour because of disruptive behaviour.

Cr Farley said that after midnight it was difficult for councillors to make sound judgements.

On four occasions, Cr Halsall gave her colleagues the opportunity to adjourn the meeting at a reasonable hour and continue at a later date.

But the majority of councillors agreed to extend time for the meeting.

Deputy Mayor Colin Butler said it was rare for council meetings to go past midnight.

"It was just a matter of some councillors filibustering so Cr Bradford could return without missing much.

"It is certainly not fair on residents," he said.

Narre Warren resident Rene Stolk was in the chambers until 1am waiting for the outcome of the council's decision on a rate rises cap.