Six of eight code of conduct complaints about councillors at a New England council have been resolved without action, after one of the most expensive investigations in NSW.
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Complaints about Glen Innes Severn Councillors Andrew Parsons, and Glenn Frendon plus Mayor Carol Sparks and Deputy Mayor Dianne Newman were on Thursday resolved without action on the recommendation of the Office of Local Government (OLG)
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At their ordinary monthly meeting councillors unanimously voted to note correspondence from the OLG which ruled that "it does not consider that any further action is warranted" in relation to the six matters.
An independent investigation into the eight complaints about conduct by Glen Innes Severn councillors cost the council at least $162,216.44, according to a council business paper.
The investigation was started after complaints made in 2018.
A business paper released to the council in November revealed an independent review found at least one elected official had breached the code of conduct on eight occasions.
But in May Glen Innes councillors failed to resolve the complaints, with five of seven councillors declaring a conflict of interest in a vote to finalise the investigation.
The complaints were instead referred to OLG to determine if any punishment should be levied.
The OLG told the council that one complaint against Cr Glenn Frendon "does not warrant the use of OLG's resources to take further action against Cr Frendon".
The office also ruled "it does not consider that further action is warranted in relation to this matter".
Councillors discussed the report in a confidential meeting at their usual meeting on Thursday night.
Their decision was made public immediately afterward, read out by council General Manager Craig Bennett.
There are two more matters outstanding.
Mr Bennett told the meeting they would likely come before councillors in October.
The process cost the council $162,216.44 to March 31, according to a report presented in April 2020. Councils across the state spent $958,463 in 2017-18 in total.
The substance of the investigation remains secret.