Staffing levels are set to be boosted at Wattle Range Council by up to 11 positions in 2022 to deal with increased workloads and address a backlog of work.

The green light for the staffing changes was given following a 50-minute confidential discussion and consideration of a private 16-page staff report at the December monthly council.

If all goes to plan, it will be the largest staff expansion since Wattle Range Council was formed almost a quarter of a century ago in 1997 by the voluntary merger of the Millicent, Beachport and Penola councils.

The most recent published annual report states Wattle Range Council has the equivalent of 113.8 full-time employees.

At the conclusion of a 3.5-hour meeting, council agreed to a budget variation of almost $240,000 with an on-cost allowance of 20%.

It is looking to recruit an additional administration officer, accounts payable officer, a casual and part-time rates and properties officer, an extra Workplace Health and Safety officer, a governance officer and an engineering services program manager.

Council will recruit an additional finance analyst/manager to commence duties on July 1 of next year.

The meeting agreed to refer the hiring of a third general inspector, asset management officer and two grader operators to the 2022/23 budget.

Council will extend the fixed term ICT Project Officer and two finance graduate positions for another 12 months.

The part-time communications officer and community development officer positions will both become full-time while staffing of the Millicent Saleyards will also change in a number of respects.

Chief executive Ben Gower told The SE Voice the additional staffing was necessary and the organisation’s restructure would be finalised in the New Year.

“I need to consult with the development services director Emma Clay after she returns from leave,” Mr Gower said.

“As some indication of our increased workload, Wattle Range Council had 75 capital works projects worth $5.5m five years ago.

“This year we have 156 capital works projects worth $12m.

“This generates more work such as in the accounts payable department.

“We are looking to purchase a sixth grader.

“The December meeting authorised me to cost a new grader, roller and grader utility vehicle as part of the preparations for the 2022/23 budget.”