There has been some debate of late around a staff audit at City hall, this was 'promised” by many a candidate.
This is essential to ensure that what services Council provides is provided efficiently and economically. In end result that the money is well spent and for the intended purpose.
Over many years Council has contracted out many services as that was intended to be a more efficient way to delivery the service required. However the contracting out may or may not be in the best interest of Ratepayers. Even with all of this happening over many years staff numbers continue to grow rapidly as clearly shown by the increase in the wages cost from $19m to $36m in about five years.
One can easily see from that about why rates have increased so much and for so little of essential nature having been achieved, many luxuries have been rolled out such as Baypark Arena, Arataki Hall and some $3m on the failed Mt Pools massage rooms addition, there are many more also.
Even as a Councillor it was very difficult to get a straight answer on a simple question, perhaps the only answer is that a Commissioner is appointed by the minister of Local Government.
Hayden Evans, Welcome Bay.