For some, this must feel like an incredibly long run up to the council elections and I understand why.
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After having the vote postponed once last year, then again last week, it is starting to feel like it will never actually arrive.
Spare a thought for the councillors who want out but will continue to do their sworn duty no matter the burden.
However, it's not entirely bad, because with a new election date on December 4, it means the community has more time to learn about their candidates, including those who have already announced their intention to run.
It also gives people a window from October 25 to November 3 to nominate if the timing wasn't right the first time around.
A diverse candidate list will give us a greater chance of strong community focused representation when the new council is elected.
Until that time though, council business will run as usual, and that means another vote for mayor and deputy mayor. This is scheduled to take place at the ordinary council meeting on September 27.
The Office of Local Government has advised us that even though councillor Jones and I have only been in our respective roles since June, by law we are required to vote for the mayor and deputy mayor for the remainder of the extended term of council.
I am willing to continue to serve but have an open mind if one of my colleagues decides to seek the opportunity to serve as mayor.
The mayoralty is a position of grassroots community service and should not be the focus of personal self-centred ambition. A good mayor I think is a busy and accomplished person, someone who local government needs more than they need local government.
There are three more ordinary meetings, and two committee meetings scheduled to take place before caretaker mode commences November 5, and I'm expecting the independent investigator's report will be wrapped up during that time.
I understand the community's frustration and keen desire to see the report, which is why council staff are currently seeking legal advice around the possibility of releasing a summary of what was found.
If approved, I anticipate this abridged version of the report will be made available before the end of the current council term, which I'm sure will put many people at ease heading into the elections in December.
Trust me, no one wants complete transparency more than me on this issue and more broadly around all the allegations that have been raised and discussed in recent months. I'm confident this will occur soon.
Finally, we've seen the rates harmonisation come to a head, with the first round of updated rates sent to ratepayers a couple of weeks ago.
This harmonisation means that all ratepayers across the former Dubbo City Council and Wellington Council areas now have their rates calculated in the same way. Previously, some residents were paying significantly different rates.
The next big harmonisation project will be water charges later this year.
As you know, there are some major projects happening in the water area, with the rollout of smart water meters, and upgrading of infrastructure, to ensure we have a reliable water source for many years to come.
Residents will find out more information about how this will affect them in the coming months.