Wellington North council has approved the hiring of a consulting firm in its search for a new chief administrative officer.
Council voted on Monday night to hire London-based N.G. Bellchamber and Associates at a maximum cost of about $20,000.
The firm won out over an $11,000 bid by Listowel-based Ward and Uptigrove.
Councillor Andy Lennox said despite the bids being similar, the Bellchamber bid contained “a more complete interview process of council and staff to determine requirements of the job.”
“It’s a significant difference in cost,” Lennox said. “I think that the extra effort and reviewing with staff is worth that extra money.”
Lennox also noted owner Nigel Bellchamber’s previous experience as a deputy CAO, CAO and general manager for the Ontario Municipal Administrator’s Association “would bring more experience” to the search.
Former CAO Lori Heinbuch was terminated in early May.
In a closed session after the June 3 regular council meeting, council voted to appoint treasurer Mike Givens as acting CAO.
The appointment took effect June 4, according to acting mayor Sherry Burke.
“As council undertakes a chief administrative officer recruitment process, Givens will be the acting CAO on an interim basis, as well as continue in the role of treasurer for the township,” a township press release stated.
Mayor Ray Tout, who was attending a convention in Vancouver, was absent from the June 3 council meeting.
