Bruce County Council will discuss modifying a bylaw to increase the tenure of Warden and Deputy Warden to two years.
A staff recommendation that the Procedural By-law be amended to change the term of the Warden and Deputy Warden’s positions from a one-year term to a two-year term will be reviewed by council on Thursday, September 5.
The Striking Committee met on August 1 to review proposed changes to the Procedural Bylaw, and determined it was also an opportunity to look at the term of office.
"The current governance arrangement provides for an annual election of the Warden and Deputy Warden roles, resulting in four elections every council term," reported Clerk Linda White. "The recommendation to change to a two-year term for the positions of Warden and Deputy Warden is reflective of the results of the elections held since 2010."
White reported that an annual election also provides an opportunity for the workload of these positions to be shared over the term of council. But, according to the report, since 2010, except for 2014, numerous members have served more than one term as Warden including Mitch Twolan, Janice Jackson, and the current Warden Chris Peabody.
By extending the term to two years, the report says it provides a continuity in leadership and government relations, benefits from greater experience, allows for longer-term goals to be accomplished, eliminates the annual transition period following the election, and reduces staff time putting together the election and orientation.