Councillor involvement - or lack of it - in the assessment of grant applications will be in the spotlight at Indigo Council.
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Councillors have sought more time to consider a new grants governance policy, written after an internal audit identified a need.
The policy drew on the Local Government Inspectorate's investigation of Yarriambiack Shire Council, finding "any conflicts of interest are best avoided through the absence of councillors" on panels assessing grants.
Under Indigo's proposed grant policy, grants would be assessed by council officers and some community members.
Cr Peter Croucher moved to defer consideration of the policy, after councillor involvement in assessment of the current Tourism Events Grant Program was raised by Cr Sophie Price.
"It's a shared responsibility ... if we are going to continue on with this model where councillors aren't a part of the panel, then we're going to need much better reporting on the grants," she said.
"I have participated in that (panel) process ... and been really satisfied previously.
Cr Price said she was at first not satisfied there was enough information in the council report about events put forward for the tourism events funding, but sought clarification.
Cr Diane Shepheard also said she was satisfied with the events recommended for funding after conversations with council staff.
"Now I've got all that background, I've heard how the panel made it decision, I'm really happy with this and I'm happy with the process," she said.
"It's one of the first times we've had this panel without a councillor's involvement."
Successful applicants were recommended by the Indigo Tourism Events Grant Evaluation Panel, consisting of three Indigo Shire Council officers, a representative from both Tourism North East and Murray Arts, and three "skills-based community members".
The panel based its preference for seven of the applications in part on COVIDSafe criteria.
The recommendation to award $30,000 in funding to seven events, ranging from music to children's photography, was adopted.
Cr Larry Goldsworthy said councillors could have confidence in the process, noting the experience of panel members.
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"I understand the concern around a council not being represented on this committee, but ... I'm quite comfortable," he said.
"There were nine applications from across the Indigo Shire and seven of those have been funded."
The Rutherglen Rock and Roll Festival and the Yackandandah Christmas Fair will be instead included in evaluation of the Community Events Grants Program.
