At the first ordinary meeting of the new council on Tuesday, councillors agreed to start the search for a permanent CEO immediately.
Mr Arnold has been acting CEO since the previous council dismissed Phil Stone in March this year.
“At this stage it is my intention to be an applicant for the role of CEO, which is why I declared a conflict and left the chamber when the matter was being discussed,” Mr Arnold told the Pastoral Times.
Mr Arnold has a wealth of experience in local government, including as general manager of Kingborough Council in Tasmania and CEO of the Moira Shire Council.
His interim contract was for a period of up to 12 months, giving enough time for the new council to settle into their roles and look at recruitment options.
On Tuesday, discussions around that recruitment process were held in confidential committee.
After discussions had concluded and Mr Arnold returned to the council chambers, he read aloud council’s resolution that the incoming CEO would be on a fixed term, performance-based contract.
A CEO selection panel will be responsible for preparation, documentation, employment details, advertising, reviewing applications, shortlisting candidates and selecting the final candidate to be interviewed and appointed by council.
It will include Mayor Ashley Hall, Deputy Mayor Kellie Crossley, one other councillor and an independent member with specialist skills in executive management.
“That the final appointment of the chief executive officer is to be undertaken by the council,” the resolution stated.
“The council authorise the temporary adviser to facilitate the recruitment using a merit based, competitive process to attract applicants with the best qualifications and experience relative to the role,” it continued.
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