Frustration has been brewing since Deloitte looked into Dunedin City Council practices after complaints from two whistleblowers, as information was lacking about how the investigation might be followed up.
The council has also not stated publicly in clear terms what the outcome of the investigation was, although the Otago Daily Times understands no serious wrongdoing was found under the Protected Disclosures Act.
Cr Andrew Whiley was one person left frustrated, as he could not view the Deloitte report and, while there had been a verbal briefing in February, he did not know as recently as last week in what ways the council might look to improve.
"Overall, I am extremely disappointed with the lack of information that councillors have received," he said.
"We should have been given a 40-page summary that clearly said, without going into detail ... this is what’s taken place, this was considered and these are the outcomes."
The Deloitte report is understood to relate to financial and reporting practices at the council, including communication with councillors.
No financial irregularities were established, the council has said.
Several weeks after the ODT started pressing the council about how it intended to learn from the investigation, an answer was provided late on Friday.
Deloitte was preparing a follow-up report about possible improvements to council processes, a council spokesman said.
This was being carried out at the request of audit and risk subcommittee independent chairman Warren Allen, the council said.
"Process improvements and a plan for actioning them will be reported via council’s audit and risk subcommittee," the spokesman said.
"All councillors have access to the audit and risk papers."
Cr Whiley learnt of this about the same time the ODT did.
Cr Sophie Barker said she had asked repeatedly — as early as December 18 and as recently as April 3 — about receiving a report on what could be learnt from the investigation.
"I really expected that we would have received advice on any areas we should be looking to improve on," she said.
The public expected transparency and accountability from councils, she said.
"We hear a clamour for it and I worry about trust in local government and councils eroding if we’re not completely open about trying to show ourselves doing better in those areas," Cr Barker said.
"We absolutely need better processes and oversight over all we do.
"The Deloitte investigation cost is an eye-watering amount and I really want to see a positive outcome for council processes from the investigation.
"I’m hearing loudly from our communities that they want this too."
Deloitte investigation costs until the end of January were $205,657.18, including GST.
Fees at that time for law firm Anderson Lloyd in relation to the matter were $46,795.80, including GST.
Deputy mayor Cherry Lucas said she had understood a follow-up report was imminent and Mr Allen knew she was frustrated about delays.
"We can always do things better and you need to have that open mind," Cr Lucas said.
"As we’ve spent all this money on Deloitte, we need to utilise that in any which way we can to improve our processes and, I think, to the benefit of the whole organisation."
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