Cr Roger Broomhall will remain on the council but resigned from the top spot on Wednesday following a passionate meeting attended by most council staff.

Former AFL footballer Andrew Macnish, who joined the council as general manager in September, had his contract terminated yesterday.

The changes come just one week out from the local government elections and follow the recent resignations of senior staff including corporate services manager Philip Lynch and building surveyor Wayne Wilson.

The council remained tight-lipped as to the actions that led to this week’s flurry of events.

Cr Broomhall did not return calls yesterday but it is understood he will continue in his bid for re-election to council.

Acting mayor Bridget Archer, the sole candidate for mayor in the current election, said the council would release a statement today.

‘‘Because it’s so close to the election I will act in this role until the election,’’ she said.

Opposition leader Bryan Green said it was time to consider putting the council under administration.

The former Local Government Minister released a review into the council last year - part of which found issues with the appointment process and performance assessment of the general manager’s position.

‘‘There has been quite a lot of angst and animosity within the council for some time, which has had a negative effect on the council’s ability to serve the community,’’ Mr Green said yesterday.

‘‘This could be the time to allow people to cool off.’’

A government spokesman yesterday said the government was awaiting further details from the council.

‘‘The Minister (Local Government Minister Peter Gutwein) is aware of changes at George Town Council,’’ he said.

Local Government Association of Tasmania president Barry Easther labelled the turn of events ‘‘sad’’.

‘‘I would say when councils are looking to appoint general managers - or any senior staff - a simple phone call to the Local Government Association could be beneficial,’’ Cr Easther said.

‘‘The new council have a very important job.’’

The George Town Council has long been plagued with issues and was last placed in administration from May 1994 until March 1995.

The former general manager Stephen Brown quit amid investigations into workplace allegations, which were later dropped.