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The letter, dated August 10, 2021, outlined why Mr May asked the Minister of Local Government, Ms Shelley Hancock for a public inquiry into the embattled council.

Mr May said despite the best efforts of Ms Hancock and the Office of Local Government, the Performance Improvement Order that had been issued on September 8 had "failed".

"The complexity of the issues that confront Wingecarribee Shire Council is a challenge and while I again acknowledge that the law is the law, my view is that a return of the suspended council is untenable," he said.

"Accordingly, I recommend that you consider the conduct of a public enquiry under section 438u of the act into Wingecarribee Shire Council and that it have concise terms of reference and be required to report in six months, with the view to hopefully facilitating the return of local democracy in the shire."

The full letter can be found here under August 11.

In his administrators address at the August 11 Ordinary Meeting of Council, Mr May said the reviews and audits he sent Minister Hancock's office spoke for themselves.

"My letter advises the Minister that they provide the evidence that the suspended councillors and former staff had scant regard to statutory obligations or the community they were elected or appointed to serve," he said.

"It is clear, that the Performance Order issued in September last year failed.

"The evidence is in, and in my view, a public inquiry is the only way forward having regard to the current extraordinary circumstances.

"It is the only way to the truth on many matters that remain of concern to the Wingecarribee Shire Council community."

However, suspended mayor Duncan Gair doesn't believe a public enquiry is necessary.

"I don't believe council or the vast majority of councillors have done anything to deserve an enquiry," he said.

"I don't believe an enquiry is warranted and it will cost taxpayers a lot of money if it goes ahead.

"I think the council's reputation has been tarnished enough and we will work hard to restore our reputation in the community if we are returned."

"I am looking forward to the decision of Minister Hancock."

Not all suspended councillors agree with Mr Gair.

Ian Scandrett told the Southern Highland News he believed the likely cost of the enquiry would be "relatively minor compared to the waste and the potential savings."

"As a suspended councillor who called for this in January 2020, I am delighted this is moving forward and trust that Minister Hancock will listen to the community."

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