Kiama Municipal Council last night unanimously resolved to ask the NSW Minister for Local Government to allow the Council to temporarily operate with eight councillors until the next local government elections in 2028.
The request follows the recent resignation of Councillor Mike Cains and is aimed at avoiding the estimated $200,000 cost of holding a by-election while Council remains under a NSW Government Performance Improvement Order.
Mayor Cameron McDonald said the decision was about acting responsibly while Council continued its financial recovery.
"Every dollar matters while we're working to restore Council's long-term financial position," Cr McDonald said.
"A by-election was not anticipated in this year's budget and would place additional pressure on Council's finances at a time when we're focused on meeting the requirements of the Performance Improvement Order."
Council's request asks the Minister to consider temporarily reducing the number of councillors from nine to eight until the 2028 local government elections, rather than proceeding with a by-election. The proposal would maintain Council's quorum and governance arrangements while potentially saving around $200,000 in election costs, as well as councillor expenses over the remainder of the current term.
Cr McDonald said the decision reflected Council's commitment to exploring every reasonable opportunity to reduce costs.
"This is about being practical and responsible with public money. We're asking the Minister to consider whether, in the current circumstances, this is a sensible way to avoid an unnecessary cost to the community."
Council will now write to the Minister for Local Government seeking urgent consideration of the request.
