Mr Davey, who was unsuccessful in securing a spot on the merged council in September, said ratepayers were entitled to know how their money was being spent.

The payout figure to Mr Gillard has remained under wraps since the decision to “part ways” was confirmed on Tuesday.

But Mr Davey said the figure would eventually come out in the 2017-18 financial report.

“Ratepayers have got a right to know where their money is going and whether it is being spent wisely,” he said.

“They’ve definitely jumped the gun.

“I don’t think you can do that within five minutes of being elected as councillors.

“In the meantime people have a right to know how much.

“I pay rates on a couple of properties here in Mulwala and I like to know my money is being spent wisely as do people who have got bigger interests than I do.

“The decision should be based on performance and not hearsay or innuendo.”

Mayor Pat Bourke said this week the council was changing direction and a change of general manager was “appropriate”.