Hawke's Bay regional, Napier and Hastings councils have turned down an informal request to provide more ratepayer money towards the salary of the yet-to-be appointed CEO of Business Hawke's Bay and the Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce.
Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule confirmed he had been approached by the chamber's president, Katja Williams, for further funding for the CEO, who would have the dual role of being responsible for Business Hawke's Bay and the chamber.
The extra cash was for the CEO's work for Business Hawke's Bay only, which is connected to the council's efforts to improve economic development. It would not be used for the CEO's work for the chamber.
Ms Williams had also approached Napier City Council and Hawke's Bay Regional Council.
"The council leaders agreed that no extra money would be provided and any further request would have to come via an annual plan process," Mr Yule said.