The Daily Advertiser reported on Wednesday Wagga council’s former director of planning and regulatory services Andrew Crakanthorp resigned after being issued a show cause letter following an independent investigation into alleged misconduct.

The allegations levelled against Mr Crakanthorp warranted 20 weeks of forced leave on full pay and referral to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), but elected councillors are still in the dark about the whole saga.

Frustrated councillor Julian McLaren will not run for re-election in September, claiming he and his colleagues had “no ability to be part of the ongoing process of running council”.

“The main reason why I'm not standing for council is because I don't believe we operate in a transparent and open manner and it disappoints me enormously,” Cr McLaren said.

“We are completely restricted on what we can and can't say. Even the most passionate and committed people can’t make a difference on council. If we involve ourselves in operational matters we're told to back off.”

Cr McLaren said he could not comment on Mr Crakanthorp’s situation for fear of “letters from lawyers”.

Councillor Garry Hiscock regretted months of secrecy but defended the investigation process.

“The investigation took longer than expected but that was out of our hands,” Cr Hiscock said.

“I know the public was getting frustrated and it looked as though we were trying to hide something. But I know as much as the public and unfortunately we have to sit tight and wait for the process to run its course.

“We can’t have people sitting in the pub having a debate over this issue, this is not for small talk.”

Councillor Kerry Pascoe expects councillors will find out the details of the dispute next week, but worried making the information public would expose council to “astronomical” legal damages.

“I would presume the public will get some indication eventually, but councillors mustn’t jeopardise their responsibility to council and Andrew,” Cr Pascoe said. 

Council general manger Alan Eldridge said he was bound by due process. 

“It is my intention to disclose as much information on this matter as possible, however, there are due processes that council must follow,” Mr Eldridge said. “I appreciate the community’s continued patience regarding the investigation and I am committed to being transparent and open on all operations at council.”

Mr Crakanthorp declined to comment.