Dear Beagle Editor
Out of a total number of 155 councils in NSW for the 2014/15 reporting period, Eurobodalla Shire Council came sixth in the competition for the highest number of complaints Camden Council 50 Wyong Shire Council 39 Ashfield, The Council of the Municipality of 37 North Sydney Council 33 Eurobodalla Shire Council 26 (source) Unfortunately for Eurobodalla Council, who took pride in coming first in Mystery Shopper Customer satisfaction survey the executive staff and councillors of Eurobodalla came a lowly third in the state for the highest number of Code of Conduct complaints with a score of just 22. (source)
Above: A bronze medal for the number of Codes of Conduct in 14/15
However, only one complaint was ever investigated for breach during that period. That was probably the one made against an ex councillor who stepped out of line and spoke on behalf of the community. The Cost of dealing with Code of Conduct Complaints for the 2014/15 reporting period was $22,770.
With some help from members of the community, perhaps, this year, we’ll do even better, maybe eclipsing the record of 111 complaints at Murray Council who came in first place and North Sydney coming in at second place with 28 complaints. It shouldn't be too long before the next report is out where we can see if we have improved our ranking. Another medal for Eurobodalla Council. I wonder if the bronze medal was displayed during the never-so confidential personal matter that couldn't be mentioned on the Council Agenda that every man and his dog knew to be the General Manager's review. It turns out that Council will be getting a rap on the hands for omitting to indicate the nature of the items listed on the agenda as CON17/002 and CON17/003, as required by section 9 (2A)(a) of the Act and will be receiving formal advice requesting it to review its practices in relation to the description of agenda items to be discussed in closed council meetings. This is par for the course as Council have severely reprimanded in the past (in the 1990's) for doing exactly the same thing. All the records are there. Is it time to give someone a detention? A public apology at the next Council meeting might be in order. Name and address withheld by request
