Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich confirmed an investigation of Ms Graham’s conduct had been completed, she had apologised to a staff member as a result and there would be no further comment on the issue.
However, Mosgiel Taieri Community Board chairman Andrew Simms — who said he was speaking as a concerned businessman and ratepayer — called for the King’s Counsel report into the inquiry to be released to the public.
"There is strong public interest in this because this has far-reaching impacts on the city and the wellbeing of the city.
"The community and the ratepayers have to maintain confidence in both the administration and the governance of the council."
Without being able to see what was in the report, it felt like the issue was being "swept under the rug", he said.
"The fact that an apology has been issued would indicate to me that at least some of the complaints have been upheld.
He believed council members and the mayor had effectively been gagged from speaking publicly about what was in the report, Mr Simms said.
"Given how vocal some councillors have been towards complaints against fellow councillors in the past — which have been generally around poor behaviour — it is very difficult to understand why they are being so quiet now.
"That tells me that there’s a whole lot more in this report than they want out in the public.
"If the report is not released, there’s a danger that it would appear the councillors and the mayor have been gagged.
"I believe it’s a significant threat to this city — and that’s not an exaggeration."
He said the level of conjecture, speculation and rumour surrounding the issue was continuing to grow.
"The mayor’s response indicates the issue’s minor; it’s been dealt with; there’s nothing more to see here," Mr Simms said.
"If that’s the case, release the report and show us that that’s the case.
"All we want is the truth."
Without it, he questioned how the community, and the ratepayers who funded the investigation, could have full confidence in the administration of the DCC, or the mayor’s judgement.
Mr Radich said the case involved privacy considerations, fairness considerations and legal privilege.
"It is an employment law case, and so it is entirely inappropriate for any councillors to comment on it."
He reiterated his statement from last week, that the case had been dealt with properly, fairly and legally.
"The CEO has apologised to a staff member and the matter has now been concluded.
"I have full confidence in Ms Graham, who is continuing to focus on leading the organisation and developing the draft nine-year plan with the council."
He declined to make any further comment.
The council has yet to disclose the cost of the investigation and what its findings are.
Ms Graham has a five-year contract with the council, which is due to end or be renewed in October next year.
