Ararat Rural City Council appoints Colleen White as interim chief executive

Ararat Rural City Council announced the appointment via a statement on Wednesday afternoon. 

Ararat Rural City corporate strategy, risk and governance director Colleen White will hold the interim chief executive role from July 8 through to August 20,” the statement said.

“Following August 20, Council will appoint an interim chief executive until Mr Evans’ permanent successor is selected, with the recruitment timeframe still being finalised.

“The appointment of Ms White as an interim chief executive allows time for the Commission of Inquiry to be carried out and for the Minister for Local Government, Natalie Hutchins to deliver recommendations before the recruitment process for a permanent chief executive commences.”

Mr Evans stepped down as Ararat Rural City chief executive last month citing the need to take care of his sick wife.

The state government has begun a commission of inquiry into Ararat Rural City Council’s proposed rating strategy, which would abolish differential rates.

Farmers would face higher rate bills but industrial and commercial properties would see a discount.

Residential ratepayers would also have their municipal charges removed.

The inquiry will start holding private hearings in Ararat on Thursday with a public hearing scheduled for July 12.

Ararat Rural City councillors voted late last month to wait for the inquiry to hand down its report before considering whether or not to adopt the rating strategy.

Ararat Mayor Paul Hooper said the details of recruitment costs and remuneration offers for the new permanent chief executive would likely remain confidential.

Mr Evans’ 2015-16 remuneration package was worth up to $219,000.