Council for the Municipality of South Bruce will vote on a new procedural by-law next meeting, one that could change how the Deputy Mayor is selected.
For years, the Municipality has had two Deputy Mayors during a Council term, each nominated and selected by fellow members. During the most recent term, Mike McDonagh served as Deputy Mayor in 2023 and 2024, and Nigel Van Dyk has held the role since then.
As part of the proposed changes, the Deputy Mayor will now serve the full four-year term and the role will be determined by which Councillor-at-large gets the most votes in the municipal election.
Council had directed staff to proceed with the changes in 2025, but that was delayed after the Strong Mayor Powers were expanded in May of that year, so staff could evaluate how that would impact the procedural by-law.
Other updates to the by-law include: strengthening the existing rules for decorum, adding parameters for petitions, and changing the meeting schedule to recognize that only one will be held in August and December.
As part of the policy for changing the procedural by-law, a notice was shared on the Municipality's website.
The amendments will be voted on by Council at the April 28 meeting.
