Towong Shire chief executive Juliana Phelps has gained unanimous support from councillors to remain in the role despite community pressure for the position to be thrown open.
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A petition containing more than 40 signatures and headlined "New direction and CEO required for Towong Shire" and a further 24 submissions, mostly calling for the position to be advertised, had been received since council publicly announced its intention to re-appoint Ms Phelps last month.
But Ms Phelps, who began in the role in 2009, won the backing of councillors, who agreed the double whammy of bushfires and COVID-19 was not the time for change.
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Cr Peter Tolsher had previously stated he was in favour of the position being advertised, but had changed his mind due to recent events out of council's control.
"I think for council to show good governance I think it probably should go to the market," he said.
"I know Juliana does a great job and (advertising) will show we have got the best person for the role.
"But there is no way known it could happen now and I'm assuming for the next 18 months to two years we will be in a state of recovery."
Her latest extension for 3.5 years will expire during the next council term with local government elections due to be held later this year.
Cr Aaron Scales said Ms Phelps had led council "admirably" during the bushfires and COVID-19.
"We have had a bit of a call from the community, but now is not the time to be considering that," he said.
Cr Jenny Star said the community needed stability in the present climate.
"I don't think any of the objectors articulated a particular reason why (there should be change)," she said.
