Possible Marryatt payout would be made public

Tony Marryatt. Photo / Geoff Sloan

Christchurch ratepayers will be told how much embattled city council chief executive Tony Marryatt will get if he receives a payout.

City councillor Helen Broughton said she has questioned the city council's lawyers and Mayor Bob Parker and both have assured her if money is paid out, the amount will be made public.

Mr Parker would not comment on the issue to The Star.

"I cannot comment on CEO employment issues at this time as we are still working through a process controlled by the Employment Act and bound by our responsibility as an employer - to not respect this process could open Council to legal challenge by an employee."

Mr Marryatt has been on special leave since June while Crown investigator Peter Winder looks into the consents debacle.

The city could be facing a $700,000 payout if it decides to cut his contract short.

He has 15 months left on his contract and is paid $538,529 - that equates to some $44,800 per month.

Mr Marryatt could also take the $68,000 controversial pay rise from last year. Although he has not been collecting the money, he reserved the right to take it at any time.

Last week city councillors met behind closed doors to discuss whether Mr Marryatt should stay or go as they have been since he was put on leave.

A decision is expected to be made public within days.