Wattle Range Council has appointed five of its elected members to conduct the annual performance review of its chief executive Ben Gower.

The panel members are all Millicent residents and were appointed at the April monthly council meeting.

It comprises Mayor Des Noll, his deputy Councillor Peter Dunnicliff and councillors David Walshaw, John Drew and Moira Neagle.

A specialist Adelaide-based human resources company was involved in the 2022 review.

Cr Walshaw was unsuccessful in his bid to reappoint the same firm.

Instead, council will run a competitive procurement process to select and appoint a qualified consultant to assist with the 2023 review of Mr Gower.

A year ago, council set four key performance indicators for Mr Gower.

The council is looking for Mr Gower to achieve the awarding of a construction contract for the new Millicent council office by June 30.

Furthermore, council is looking for Mr Gower to implement key aspects of the Datascape computer programs, evolve the council’s community engagement strategy and achieve significant improvement and enhance council’s reputation as an employer of choice in order to attract and retain quality people.

Mr Gower took the administrative helm of the council in 2016 after serving with the RAAF and working in the private sector.