BENDIGO councillors will debate the need for an independent review of the City of Greater Bendigo at tomorrow night’s meeting.
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Councillors voted against a review of the council’s finances in January.
But the issue was raised by several candidates who are now councillors during the election, with some giving support to the review.
A report to be presented at the meeting notes the councillors listed finding opportunities to do better, generating new ideas, being transparent and checking the business structure as reasons the review was needed.
It notes the chance to identify cost savings and improve efficiency, benchmark performance and ensure the right communication as further benefits.
But it also notes other work could be put on hold and services impacted, and says there is no budget and an unknown cost for the review.
It says the community satisfaction surveys were trending in a positive direction, that the council was in a positive financial position and notes the existing checks and balances in place, including the finance and audit committees. It notes the review was an initiative of the council, rather than a recommendation of chief executive Craig Neimann.
Four different recommendations have been listed, including scrapping the review, using council staff to consider if it’s necessary, putting out expressions of interest for a review and that the council employ an independent reviewer.