Councillors voted in favour of advertising the City of Greater Bendigo chief executive officer position at a private meeting on Wednesday.
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Mayor Margaret O’Rourke confirmed the decision, which took place after an ordinary council meeting.
Incumbent Craig Niemann’s contract expires in mid-December, and the city would begin the lengthy recruitment process in earnest, Cr O’Rourke said.
The city declared its intention to advertise the role last month, with Cr O’Rourke saying they had the option to reappoint or advertise and they chose the latter.
The Bendigo Advertiser recently reported three councillors were in favour of reappointing current CEO Craig Niemann, three were firm in wanting to advertise the role and had won the support of two others.
It is understood Mr Niemann sought reappointment prior to the announcement.
Related: Councillors divided over top job
Cr O’Rourke recently told the Bendigo Advertiser councillors felt having a vote in private was the most appropriate way to deal with the topic and she did not believe councillors were divided on the matter.
Section 94 of the Local Government Act 1989 states a council may pass a resolution to reappoint a CEO in the six months prior to a person’s contract is due to expire.
In 2012 then councillors voted to reappoint current chief executive Craig Niemann without advertising the role.