Correcting the Record

In its 14 May edition, the Mosman Daily reported that Council had employed a consultant for $3,500 an hour or $58.33 cents per minute.

This is untrue. The consultant assisting Council with the rates consultation was paid $3,000 for two days of work, including advice about the consultation process, preparation for and facilitation of the meeting, and a post-meeting wrap-up.

Council would have been happy to explain this to the journalist if he had contacted us to check the facts.

Because the community had expressed strong views both for and against the rate rise prior to the meeting, Council opted for a neutral facilitator so that everyone felt they could equitably have their say.

21-May-2009

Correcting the Record Again

In its 21 May edition, the Mosman Daily refers to "North Sydney Council's 14.2 per cent pay rise".

Firstly, it is not 14.2 per cent. Council is proposing a special rate increase of 13.6 per cent, which is inclusive of the 3.5 per cent rate increase that has already been announced for all councils.

Secondly, it is not a pay rise that is proposed. It is a rate rise.