Regional SA council loses CEO despite having a year to run on contract

A regional SA council has cut ties with its chief executive officer, despite him having a year to go on his contract. 

Southern Mallee Council in the state’s east announced this morning that Jason Taylor would exit the role at the start of July, despite being under contract until July 2023. 

Mr Taylor was appointed to the position in 2018 for three years and had been given two one-year contract extensions. 

The move comes after the council revealed a $50,000 legal budget overspend, which was blamed on elected member conduct and governance issues. 

Last week, elected members also voted to reprimand Councillor Andrew Grieger after the SA Ombudsman found he had made a number of conflict-of-interest breaches. 

In a statement, Mayor Jeff Nickolls said the decision to cease Mr Taylor’s contract was to “make way for new leadership” ahead of South Australia’s local government elections in November. 

“I firmly believe that Mr Taylor has been an asset to this council and the Southern Mallee community,” the statement said.

“I believe he will move on from Southern Mallee with a strong future ahead of him, and the next organisation lucky enough to recruit him will be strengthened by his presence and capabilities.”

Mr Nickolls declined to comment further.

Mr Taylor has been contacted for comment.