Bruce County council will not be changing the length of term for its Warden, after a motion to extend the timeframe to two years was defeated.
Staff brought forward the idea, noting that five of the last six people to be elected Warden served more than one term and a change would offer greater continuity in leadership.
But most members of council, like Huron-Kinloss Mayor Don Murray, wanted the policy to stay the same.
"As much as I think we could do two years, I think there's more flexibility in leaving it at a year, giving more people an option if they want to try it, because you may get into it, be all gung-ho, decide it's not for you, and then you're locked in for two years," he said.
Current Warden Chris Peabody was also against the switch, noting the amount of work it takes to run county level government, and how that commitment isn't always recognized in local elections.
"Being Warden in Year 4, the last three Wardens have lost their elections at the lower-tier. People have joked that there's a curse or something... I think if somebody had a two-year-term, you'd be going into that election cycle maybe even more tired than if you were at a one-year. It does put that person at a disadvantage I think," he said
Staff said the change could allow for longer-term goals to be accomplished, eliminate the annual transition period following the election, and reduce their time putting together the election and orientation. They did note the downsides could include the potential for reduced accountability or loss of interest and fewer opportunities for other members of council to serve.
County council will elect the Warden for 2025 in December.
