A former Tasmanian mayor has been charged after allegedly offering discount accommodation to council staff. 

Debbie Lee Wisby was Mayor of Glamorgan Spring Bay Council until she resigned last year. 

Earlier this year, the Australian Services Union (ASU) lodged a formal complaint against Ms Wisby, alleging she breached Tasmania's Local Government Act by renting her bed and breakfast to two acting general managers.

Director of Local Government Craig Limkin charged Ms Wisby with two counts of improper use of information and misuse of office in May this year. 

The allegations include that Ms Wisby rented out her accommodation in Triabunna to Ian Pearce and Harry Galea — two of the council's acting general managers - in 2019, while she was still mayor. 

Mr Limkin alleges Ms Wisby was aware that the pair would need accommodation in the area and improperly used that information to gain directly, or indirectly, an advantage for herself, and or her family, by income from the accommodation.

An email sent in June 2019 shows Ms Wisby offered Mr Pearce her Airbnb for a discounted price to “significantly save council money”, and that she had made the same offer to Mr Galea.

“As you may be aware, finding appropriate accommodation at a reasonable rate in the area is difficult,” she wrote.

“Initially, when [another acting general manager] Daniel required accommodation I was hesitant to mention my BnB, even at a significantly reduced price, as I would rather not be in this situation, however, I feel it was unfair for ratepayers to pay more than required for an extended period.”

The council allegedly paid her a sum of $1,800 for Mr Pearce's stay, and $1,500 for Mr Galea's.

Ms Wisby was reportedly questioned by a fellow councillor about the matter at a council meeting in 2019, but Ms Wisby said she had “good knowledge” of the Local Government Act when making decisions about council matters.

Ms Wisby has appeared in the Hobart Magistrates Court but has not entered a plea yet. The matter will be back in court in December.