City of Parramatta chief executive Gail Connolly is in talks to leave the council and has engaged lawyers to negotiate the terms of her exit, which could include a payout of up to a year’s salary.

Four sources with direct knowledge of the discussions confirmed the local government executive was seeking to depart the $515,000-a-year job. Her contract expires in April 2027.

Two sources said Connolly had engaged lawyers to enter into early discussions about her leaving and that she was seeking a payout equal to 52 weeks’ pay, beyond the state’s standards for council bosses , which sets out a maximum of 38 weeks’ pay.

The revelation of plans to depart, which are yet to be officially agreed upon, is the latest twist in a festering internal staffing crisis at the council. In July, the Hera

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