Plans are in the works to develop a set of guidelines that will more clearly define the role and responsibilities of Sackville’s chief administrative officer (CAO).
The town’s personnel committee, with assistance from current CAO Eric Mourant, has initiated the first steps to develop a bylaw that will provide more clarity into the requirements of the top management position.
“There has, in the past, been some historical ‘unclarity’ when it comes to the role of our CAO,” said Coun. John Higham during council’s regular meeting earlier this month. “So this will help refine the relationship of the CAO, council and staff.”
The CAO bylaw, a clear priority in the community’s recently-developed strategic plan, will provide a detailed position description that will explain the specific roles of the mayor and council and their connection with the chief administrative officer.
The document is expected to help the town recruit and retain a long-term CAO while also ensuring a productive relationship between town councillors and their top staff member.
“It will articulate more clearly what we would like our CAO to be doing,” said Coun. Margaret Tusz-King. “It’s important for job descriptions and expectations to be clear . . . it makes it easier for all parties.”
Coun. Bruce Phinney argued, however, that putting limits on the CAO’s duties might not be a good idea.
“I think we’d be limiting our CAO if we place too many parameters on the position,” said Phinney.
When ready, a draft bylaw will be submitted to the town’s bylaw committee for its consideration and then to council for approval.
Meanwhile, town staff and council continue to move forward on several other priorities set out in the town’s strategic plan.
The first chapter of recommendations from a human resources management plan – which saw the restructuring of several key departments and placed more accountability on the directors of those portfolios – was brought to the table by the CAO and approved during April’s council meeting.
“Those recommendations are being implemented and the second chapter is under way,” said Mourant in his monthly report to council.
The CAO, in conjunction with the directors, also plans to develop annual business plans and goals for each department, aligned with the strategic plan. These documents will serve as points of references for their performance evaluations and will provide direction for the 2011 budgeting process.
The town will also continue working towards financial stability, affordability and fiscal health of programs and services through sound financial planning, management and innovation. The CAO noted that the municipality will use the strategic plan as the “filter” through which all financial management decisions are made.
Mourant will work alongside the treasurer to develop a multi-year financial plan for the community, “keeping in mind the fiscal reality of a small municipality.”
