Specialist consultants could be hired to overhaul Moray Council’s senior management structure.
The proposal will be discussed at committee tomorrow, with Conservative councillors having given it a cautious welcome.
The Tories quit the authority’s governing administration last year in frustration after a rift formed following the advertisement of two vacant department director positions – both commanding salaries of more than £90,000.
Members of the group wanted the recruitment drive delayed until a review of management structures was undertaken to determine whether the posts were necessary before walking away when their wishes were not supported by their independent allies.
A permanent director of corporate services has since been appointed while the education director position remains a temporary appointment.
Now the council’s policy and resources committee will discuss proposals to hire a consultant to progress the “improvement and modernisation” of the authority.
Fears have been raised by senior officers that “short term and temporary” management structures currently in place are making it harder for them to deal with on-going financial challenges.
Yesterday, Conservative group leader Tim Eagle described the proposals as moving “a step closer” to what his colleagues have been pressing for for nearly two years.
He said: “It is crucial that we ensure our senior staff are equipped and resourced to not just do their job well but to provide the motivation and leadership to the wider Moray Council staff team.
“We have some excellent staff and I have been concerned over the last two years that some feel devalued and demotivated in their work.
“If we want to improve in key areas then it would seem sensible to start at the very top.”
No fee has been made public for the proposed consultant but council rules state quotes of more than £10,000 need to be approved by councillors.
In December last year the authority agreed to allocate £700,000 to spend on the “improvement and modernisation” programme over two years.
In a report, the council’s corporate services director, Denise Whitworth, explained not hiring the consultant would make meeting savings targets even more difficult.
