FEDERATION Council ratepayers could be facing an even bigger payout to general manager Chris Gillard, who almost certainly won’t return to the position.
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The newly elected council on Wednesday kick-started a process to remove Mr Gillard from the position he had extended to 2020 last December when the merged council area was under control of administrator Mike Eden.
Under the appointment, Mr Gillard’s initial remuneration package was around $270,000.
It’s understood he is entitled to a 38-week payout from the council, but the final figure could increase with Mr Gillard already on sick leave.
The general manager exit costs could be the first of two major financial body blows for ratepayers.
Cleanaway could be chasing financial compensation also if forced to find a replacement site for a compost facility which has development approval to be built on the edge of Howlong.
At the extraordinary meeting the council resolved: “To authorise the mayor and deputy mayor to negotiate in relation to the general manager's contract of employment.
“In further to the above, the mayor may seek assistance of Local Government NSW and or other designated persons and or legal representatives of council.”
The motion was moved by Cr Andrew Kennedy and seconded by deputy mayor Shaun Whitechurch.
Engineering director Peter Gall has been appointed acting general manager for an unspecified period.
Mayor Pat Bourke said after the meeting “a lot of conversations had to be had” on Mr Gillard’s contract.
“In the journey of a new council which was a merged entity it was a very tough job,” Cr Bourke said.
“Council wants to look at a future direction it wants to take.”
Mr Gillard joined Corowa Shire in 2013 as general manager and was announced as interim general manager when the Corowa-Urana merger was proclaimed in May last year.
Asked whether ratepayers would cover Mr Gillard’s payout entirely, Cr Bourke said: “I’m not sure where this may lead.
“I can’t answer that question, sorry.”
Local Government NSW senior industrial officer Ross Nassif also sat in on the extraordinary meeting.
Mr Nassif will also assist in the negotiations on Mr Gillard’s contract of employment.
“We’re all trying to make sure we do things by the book and properly,” Cr Bourke.
“It’s always nice to have a helping hand.”
Another agenda item, the future direction of Federation Council, wasn’t debated in open council.
