Wyndham council has forked out nearly $1.5 million in legal fees in the past two years.
The council has spent $691,387 since July 1, 2014, to get legal advice and representation on the execution of contracts, planning and enforcement issues, property lease agreements, property acquisitions and disposals, local law prosecutions and other issues.
In 2013-14, the council’s legal bill came to $761,337.
The council has pursued 4592 cases for unpaid fines in court this financial year alone.
Its most costly legal case this financial year to date includes a $151,554 legal bill.
Wyndham chief executive Kerry Thompson said the case in question, which was still before the courts, related to an enforcement matter and if successful, the council would be seeking an order of costs.
The council does not have an in-house legal team and instead relies on a panel of legal firms.
Ms Thompson said the council always considered the cost of taking legal action against potential benefits.
“The need for legal advice and representation is required as part of standard business operations for any organisation of our size and complexity,” she said.
“The decision as to whether to engage legal representation and pursue a matter legally is based on whether there is a public interest – for example, if it will result in the recovery of debts or costs for council, or act as a deterrent.”
