Ouch!

Reports this week from the Sunshine Coast suggest that the Sunshine Coast Regional Council is about to embark on the search for a new CEO.  Nothing unusual in itself but how about the cost?  Information received suggests the process will cost that council in the vicinity of one hundred thousand dollars and that is not to mention the potential cost of paying out the 3 former CEOs.

It is a scary thought and one has to wonder what other councils are paying to recruit CEOs.  Not a bad lurk if you are in the business of corporate recruitment but not so good for the ratepayers who foot the bill! 

– 0 –

Here’s some thoughts on today’s council meeting courtesy of John Neve:

Fraser Coast Council’s Ordinary Meeting No. 2, was just that, ordinary.
 
Public Participation:
Three members of the public spoke in support of REST, seeking an extension on time for their operation. It will be interesting to see if councillors heed their cry.
 
I put a number of Questions on Notice, relating to the HBCC’s “flawed town plan”. The $150,000 ratepayers apparently will have to cough up in legal costs. I also questioned whether it was true that ongoing developer challenges could cost ratepayers millions of dollars.
 
There are a number of questions still outstanding, regarding the ex mayor and councillors actions in relation to the confrontation with the ex CEO. These related to legal costs, council’s actions and authority to engage lawyers.
 
Items of interest:
 
Ord 10.1  Councillors Superannuation, councillors can receive twice their own contribution up to 12% of salary.
 
Ord 10.2  Corporate Governance Portfolio Terms of Reference.  This I believe will replace the current Code of Conduct, but suggest you read it for yourself.
 
Ord 14     General Business:
 
This was interesting as Councillor MucKan asked if the Water Park cost $12 million, where would the extra $7 million come from? Mayor Kruger suggested this would be better answered in confidential!!
 
Ord 15     Confidential:
 
Ord 15.1  Chapel Rd Rehabilitation and Widening.
Ord 15.2   WBW Quarterly Report for March 2008; and
Ord 15.3   Water Park - Hervey Bay.
 
Unfortunately I cannot comment as result is unknown.

Strewthisbackwrites: It is very disappointing that council chose to discuss the Water Park issue behind closed doors.  The question Cr Muckan asked is a valid one and many of us would love to see council publicly debate this issue.