An online poll under taken by The Courier on Thursday found of the more than 400 people surveyed almost 70 percent (280 voters) believed the City of Ballarat should accept submissions on the issue.

However, 30 per cent (137 voters) believed submissions should not be accepted and the decision lay in the hands of elected councillors.

The online poll was sparked by a heated council meeting at the Town Hall on Wednesday evening.

During a heated debate, residents and former mayors called for public submissions to be considered on the issue but their requests were rejected by the council.

Some have since accused Ballarat’s Mayor John Philips of silencing any public debate on the issue.

Ballarat Ratepayers Association secretary Paul Gordon-Smith said he could not understand with such a high level of public interest why the council would not consider submissions from the community they represent.

Mr Gordon-Smith said the August 5 meeting was schedule outside of ordinary council meetings which meant there was no scope for the public to have input. 

However, Cr Philips and the city’s acting governance off Glenn Kallio said the appointment was a “contractual matter” which was bound by guidelines set out by the Local Government Act which meant submissions cannot be received.

Earlier this week The Courier revealed the process of advertising the role of the city’s chief executive could cost ratepayers more than $150,000. 

Instead, Cr Philips urged the submitters to contact councillors directly with their concerns.

Behind the scenes, councillor support is growing to advertise the role of current chief executive Anthony Schinck. 

Councillors Samanatha McIntosh, Amy Johnson, Jim Rinaldi and Belinda Coates have all voiced a view to see the contract advertised for the first time in eight years.

melissa.cunningham@fairfaxmedia.com.au