SARA GILLIGAN

TWO Gawler councillors left a special meeting in “disgust and protest” last Monday night during discussions on CEO Henry Inat’s proposed contract extension and pay rise.

Elected members discussed Mr Inat’s request for his contract to end in 2024, rather than 2021, behind closed doors at last month’s general council meeting.

Mr Inat previously requested a pay rise from $262,090 to $265,760 per year, along with the exclusive use of a luxury 4WD.

During Monday night’s special meeting – called by Gawler Mayor Karen Redman – councillors Ian Tooley and Jim Vallelonga stormed out of the chamber.

In a letter to The Bunyip (see below), Mr Tooley alleged council administration engaged in “unsolicited lobbying of elected members” prior to the meeting, with Mr Inat reportedly calling councillors who voted against his requests directly and inviting them to meet with him before the meeting.

Mr Tooley said the special meeting failed to resume at the exact point in which Tuesday night’s meeting was adjourned.

“What happened at that special council meeting was, in Cr Vallelonga and my opinion, a farce, a travesty, contrary to Regulation 19 regarding the resumption of adjourned meetings, and showed a total disregard for the democratic decision that was made by council just six days prior,” he said.

Despite the duo’s act of protest, elected members resolved to engage an external consultant to review Mr Inat’s performance and provide a written report – to be reported back to a future  Performance Management Panel Meeting.

Mr Inat declined to comment.