Kearney still undecided on filling CAO position

by Keely Grasser

Mar 05, 2008

KEARNEY — Council is undecided over whether to appoint an acting CAO in the absence of their regular CAO-clerk-treasurer, who is on indefinite leave.

“We haven’t really actually pursued that very much,” said Mayor Jeff Johnston. “We’re still undecided about what we’re going to do.”

Two weeks ago, council appointed councillor Paul Tomlinson to the acting CAO role, but quickly realized that an elected official could not act in a staff capacity, as per the Municipal Act.

The resolution, an offer to Tomlinson to take the role, was rescinded during a subsequent special council meeting.

Between the rescinded resolution and Tomlinson officially turning down the offer to act as CAO, the town believes Tomlinson was never acting in the role. That means they didn’t contravene the act.

In the meantime, deputy clerk Keven Allen has stepped up her role, Johnston said. “She’s doing an excellent job. We have good staff in that regard. Between the three ladies in the offices, they’re able to function efficiently.”

Johnston added that the busy tax season is coming to an end and once that is done, staff will have “more breathing room.”