Shire of York at risk of suspension
The Shire of York could be suspended after the Department of Local Government and Communities uncovered "a significant number of issues" around the council's ability to provide good governance.
Today Local Government Minister Tony Simpson issued a show cause notice asking why the council should not be suspended for up to six months.
Mr Simpson said the department began to monitor the shire in September.
York council could probe former chief
“During the monitoring period, a significant number of issues emerged, giving rise to concerns about the council’s ability to effectively manage the operations of the shire and to provide good government for the people in its district,” he said.
“I have formed the view there is sufficient evidence that it is inappropriate for the Shire of York’s council to continue without intervention."
In July this year a report recommended former chief executive Ray Hooper be asked to explain claims made by ratepayers and a former councillor that his conduct between 2008 and 2104 contravened the public sector's code of ethics.
It also recommended councillors Pat Hooper and Tony Boyle be asked to explain allegations that they contravened the Local Government Act.
The report included allegations that people who made complaints about the chief executive or the council were then visited by shire rangers or a health or building inspectors with complaints about their pets or threats of legal action.
Ray Hooper strongly denied the allegations.
His successor as chief executive, Michael Keeble, resigned in September citing “constant abuse by certain ratepayers” and “abuse of me and my position from which council is unable to either control nor shield my staff”.
The WA government has in recent years cracked down on local councils, with the metropolitan City of Canning sacked in September for poor governance including a lack of transparency in decisions and a lack of effective community engagement on some issues.
The council is being run by three commissioners until it is swallowed up by neighbouring councils as part of the State Government’s contentious forced amalgamations.
The Shire of York has 21 days to respond.
