The council's financial position and fiscal management have emerged as key issues in the Kiama local government area ahead of tomorrow's election.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This year it was discovered that $1 million had been moved out of restricted reserves without approval, the council's draft financial statements were submitted for audit four weeks late, and a financial advisory committee was formed with the aim of securing the council's financial sustainability.
Independent candidate Karen Renkema-Lang, leading the S.A.F.E. Kiama ticket, said the council's financial position was not clear to her as a ratepayer.
Read more: The candidates running for Kiama Council
It was a priority if elected, she said, to "get the business of council in order" and make its financial position known.
Ms Renkema-Lang said this included reviewing any outstanding items and actions listed in the council's strategic plans, and considering how the council could meet those goals.
Your Community Candidates lead candidate Mark Croxford said the community had "every right to be concerned" about this issue.
"There is a perception that council is in a dire financial state, but the reality is we don't really know because we haven't seen the books," Mr Croxford said.
He said the council needed strong financial management.
Fiscal responsibility has also been highlighted as a priority for the Labor candidates, led by Imogen Draisma.
Ms Draisma said financial sustainability was essential to ensuring Kiama remained independent from councils to the north and south and avoided amalgamation, as was proposed in 2016.
It was the job of the next councillors, she said, to ensure the council was transparent and making decisions that would cement its future.
But veteran councillor Warren Steel said the council had a lot of untouched assets, despite fears of the council's level of debt, and he did not believe it was in dire straits.
However, he said the council definitely could do better when it came to transparency and submitting its financial statements on time.
"With the right people, I think we can really get some things done," Cr Steel said.
The Illawarra Mercury newsroom is funded by our readers. You can subscribe to support our journalism here.
Sign up for breaking news emails below...
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
