Council inquiry terms of reference released
The terms of reference have been announced for the formal Public Inquiry into Central Coast Council.
The inquiry will investigate whether the council maximised the success of gaining efficiencies and financial savings from the merger process.
It will investigate whether the council disregarded the financial consequences of its decisions, and whether decisions since 2017 contributed to the financial position which the Council now finds itself in.
It will investigate whether the council had regard to the financial sustainability of the council, and whether the council reviewed its own performance, including that its spending was responsible and sustainable by aligning general revenue and expenses.
The commissioner may investigate "any other matter that warrants mention, particularly those that may impact on the effective administration of Council's functions and responsibilities or the community's confidence in the Council being able to do so."
"The Commissioner may make recommendations as the Commissioner sees fit having regard to the outcomes of the inquiry, including whether all civic offices at Central Coast Council should be declared vacant."
SOURCE:
Website, 1 May 2021
Office of Local Government