EXPRESS The
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Locally owned and proudly independent
Change to MSC protocol
Miracle Shot
Mareeba’s Jamie Carroll (centre) has produced a remarkable trick shot, kicking a soccer ball through a basketball hoop 37 metres away. The kick was captured on video by Marc Iuretigh and witnessed by Bevan Carroll. Full story, and to find where to see the video, turn to P23
Lot 203 4052m2 $125,000
By Ryan Groube
T
he chief executive of the Mareeba Shire Council (MSC) will now need permission to fill vacancies within the organisation. A last-minute amendment to the MSC’s organisational structure will see that “any vacancies that occur not being advertised or filled until considered and approved by Council.” The structure includes 260 full time equivalent potions – 20 of which are externally funded – across three departments that operate under the chief executive. The amendment, moved by Cr Allan Holmes and seconded by Cr Alan Pedersen, prompted a fierce debate at the January 15 meeting. Cr Holmes said councillors had been elected to ensure the organisation was “lean and mean” and to do that they should have a say on whether vacant positions should be filled or made redundant. Acting MSC chief executive Rod Ferguson questioned Cr Holmes’ understanding of how council operates and that the decision would impact “day to day operations”. Mr Ferguson said local governments typically have a staff turnover rate of between eight and 10 per cent. He said it wasn’t practical for positions including administration officers and labourers to be delayed until the bi-monthly council meeting. “It is up to the CEO to handle the administration and I didn’t expect to have to come back to council for what I consider to be day-to-day matters,” he said. “There are only a couple of dozen council meetings each year and at each meeting, in theory, there will be a position to fill that often times is very low down the ladder. These people perform the basic function of local government and we need them there. This just adds another layer of complication to a straight-forward process.” Despite Mr Ferguson’s urgings, Crs Holmes, Pedersen, Mary Graham and Nipper Brown were unmoved, much to the dismay of Mayor Tom Gilmore. “Council must understand the difference between direction and management,” he said. Mayor Gilmore said the issue had to be resolved and that “another motion will be bought before council to clarify the issue” at the next ordinary meeting on February 5. The day after the meeting, Cr Holmes conceded “there might be some problems” with the amendment but that he had “been sending a message”. “The purpose of the motion was to deliver a strong message to the CEO and senior staff that we are serious about trimming the budget,” he said. “I think that message has been sent and as long as it is clear to everybody I am not welded onto it [the amendment].” Deputy Mayor Jenny Jensen said enough “checks and balances” had been included in the original motion.
Granite 186 $332,000
4 Bed, 2 Bath Alfresco Area Proposed for Lot 209- 3416m2 Tropic Coast Homes BSA 1089966
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