The Southland District Council is seeking advice from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and lawyers to resolve a Covid-19 contract claim.
A report presented to the services and assets committee meeting yesterday revealed one Covid-19 capital works contract claim posed a moderate risk to the council.
It was deemed commercially sensitive and could not be discussed in a public forum.
Group manager services and assets Matt Russell said while he was unable to disclose much detail, the issue was related to what costs were claimable by the council.
"Each contract requires an individual assessment.
"While 99% of those assessments have been relatively straightforward and headache-free, there has been one in particular that we’re still working through."
It was described as a "difference of opinion" with a contractor.
Project delivery manager Nick Hamlin said a review had been carried out of all current contracts to ensure the council was protected in case of future Covid-19 lockdowns.
■ During the community and strategy committee meeting, changes were made to the way Southland’s community service award recipients were chosen.
A group could now be nominated as one recipient and the award could be presented at a community event, as well as at a community board meeting.
