Weddin Shire council has requested a report into payments made to its grants writer/advisor over the past six years.
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Discussion on the matter was held in Open and then Closed Council at the September 16 Weddin Shire meeting.
The move came after a recommendation to the meeting from councillor Jan Parlett, seconded by Cr Phil Diprose.
Cr Parlett moved: "that the alleged issues with the payments totalling $1,231,000 made to a single Council Grant Writer/Advisor over the past six years be reported to Council so Council can decide what, if any, appropriate actions are needed to be taken to address and resolve any concerns."
"I bought this up because it has been reported in the media, to demonstrate that we are taking appropriate actions and due process," Cr Parlett said.
She added: "Because it is a commercial relationship I think we need to discuss it in closed council."
Councillor Phil Diprose moved the matter be discussed in closed council seconded by Cr McKellar.
Following Closed Council mayor Mark Liebich re-read Cr Parlett's earlier motion to open council with the addition - "the report also include the corresponding outcomes and outputs from each engagement of the consultant and that council engage a mediator to assist with our current concerns".
Cr Nevin asked if his opposition to the recommendation would be reported and was advised this would be included in the minutes of the meeting.
Cr Parlett also moved at the meeting that: "the General Manager provide a report to Council on establishing and implementing an Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) for Weddin Shire Council in accordance with the guidelines for management and internal audit for Local Councils in New South Wales."
"I think we're being proactive in doing so. It's purely for establishing an internal audit (committee)," Cr Parlett said
Cr Parlett's motion was seconded by Cr McKellar.