At their council meeting on Thursday, Cr Janine Reed, said while she accepted that Cr Brian Finlayson had timed his resignation to avoid the need for a by-election (at a cost to ratepayers of $100,000), she still felt concern at the loss of "diversity of discussion" and "reduced representation for ratepayers".
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"Should we give this more consideration before making our application to the minister (for a by-election exemption) or is it urgent?" Cr Reed asked.
Cr Rhonda Hoban said that even with a reduced council (now eight councillors), there were options within the structure of council meeting practice.
"Councillors can put in a rescission motion against a decision or ask for a deferral of debate," Cr Hoban said.
"And remember it is only 12 months to the next election versus the unbudgeted by-election cost of $100,000."
She said many NSW councils operated with seven councillors.
And for her own part, she made it clear she was not keen on having to use her mayoral vote as the deciding voice should numbers be tied.
Cr David Jones said while he agreed with Cr Reed's democratic concern, the $100,000 expense swayed him.
The council voted unanimously to make an application to the Minister for Local Government requesting "the casual vacancy created not be filled due to scheduled elections being just over a year away".
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Ute Schulenberg
Journalism was always my plan but plans being what they are, I did not get to realise it until my early 40s ... and have loved every minute since. For me community journalism is the most intimate and honest place to be in this field - telling the stories of people I live with, side-by-side, every day. It is an honour.
Journalism was always my plan but plans being what they are, I did not get to realise it until my early 40s ... and have loved every minute since. For me community journalism is the most intimate and honest place to be in this field - telling the stories of people I live with, side-by-side, every day. It is an honour.
