With Mr Stonestreet's contract soon to expire, four of Moyne's seven councillors voted to advertise for a new CEO during confidential business at Tuesday's council meeting.

Councils can choose to reappoint the CEO without advertising the position but Municipal Association of Victoria president Bill McArthur said it was a council's prerogative to test the market by advertising the job.

The results of the vote were made public in the meeting's minutes with acting mayor Jim Doukas and councillors Bernie Harris, James Purcell and Mick Wolfe all voting to advertise the position.

When contacted by The Standard about the vote Cr Doukas said be believed it was fair to seek new applicants for the job at the end of a contract.

"I voted that way because I believe the shire should advertise the position," he said.

"It's got nothing to do with (Mr Stonestreet's) performance.

"When the contract time is up the position should automatically be advertised. It's not in any of our policies but I think it should be done automatically."

Cr Doukas said the decision was not a reflection on Mr Stonestreet's performance as CEO.

"Some people might see it that way," he said.

"But I've explained to the CEO personally that was not the reason behind it.

"I would encourage Mr Stonestreet to reapply for the position."

Cr Wolfe echoed Cr Doukas' stance while Cr Purcell declined to comment and Cr Harris did not return The Standard's calls.

Yesterday councillors Ken Gale, Jill Parker and Colin Ryan all expressed concern at the message advertising for a new ceo would send to the public.

"It was a very disappointing result as Brett is an excellent CEO," Cr Gale said.

Mr Stonestreet was appointed as Moyne's CEO in December 2007 and began work at the council in February the following year.

During his 30-year in local government Mr Stonestreet has worked at Gunnedah Shire Council, Cobar Shire Council, Barraba Shire Council, Bathurst City Council and Blayney Shire Council.