ALBURY mayor Kevin Mack says his latest ratepayer-funded vehicle, a mid-range Jeep SUV, valued at $52,000 is a good deal for the city.
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Cr Mack has been fending off barbs about the new set of wheels even though he is entitled to a car as part of his role as the city’s leader.
He said yesterday the criticism could be part of a whispering campaign to discredit him if he decided to stand as an independent candidate in the NSW election in March next year.
“It is an executive vehicle they would purchase for any mayor on changeover,” Cr Mack said.
“I should have got the $100,000 one and then they would have something to whinge about.
“Those asking questions have been told all the particulars and it is an operational matter.”
Cr Daryl Betteridge confirmed yesterday he had met council general manager Frank Zaknich and queried the appropriateness of the latest mayoral car.
He said he was acting on a request from a ratepayer for more information about the type, cost, non-standard accessories and amount of private use associated with the vehicle.
“Would towing a speed boat be deemed inappropriate use?” Cr Betteridge said.
Cr Mack, who has entered his second term as mayor, previously drove an executive-style Falcon sedan which had 70,000 kilometres on the clock.
“Brand new it was worth $48,000,” he said.
“What is the difference between $48,000 in 2010 and $52,000 now.
“The mayor is entitled to an executive-style vehicle under council policy.
“Where are people going with this?”
The member for Albury Greg Aplin had raised the prospect of Cr Mack standing at the next election earlier this year.
Cr Mack has remained silent on his intentions with the poll less than three months away.
The council’s policy regarding a mayoral car states he or she will be provided an executive-style vehicle if required by the mayor which can also be used for private use.
Other councillors may use the mayoral vehicle on approved council business.
“The community will wonder what the fuss is all about,” he said.
“It’s a fleet vehicle and if we own them for too long they depreciate and we lose money.
“The council has a policy of getting out of sedans because they are not holding their value.
“Whatever cars they can sell and make money on they will sell, but they have to be due for changeover.”
A mayoral car was reinstated in 2009 under Cr Patricia Gould.
