Council here announced the appointment of Brad McRoberts to the position of CAO/clerk following a special meeting on Nov. 4.
McRoberts, the township’s public works director, has served as acting CAO/clerk since July 2, when former CAO/clerk Patty Sinnamon was let go.
A press release from the township states the appointment “comes as a result of a search process that attracted qualified applicants from across Ontario and parts of Canada.” The recruitment process was conducted with the assistance of the consulting firm of N.G. Bellchamber and Associates at a cost of about $15,000.
“We wanted to make sure we had the best candidate for the job,” said Mayor Neil Driscoll.
“Even though we were pleased with Brad’s performance as director of public works, and as acting CAO, we needed to be satisfied that we were making the best decision we could for our residents and for township staff.”
One of McRoberts first duties as CAO will be overseeing the process to replace himself as public works director. Driscoll says that process is expected to get underway quickly, with a target date of Dec. 20 to assemble a list of candidates for consideration.
“We want to fill the position by February at the latest,” he stated. “The nice thing is with Brad he can still do both roles, as challenging as it is, until we get the new one in place.”
McRoberts initially joined the township in June of 2014, to replace former public works director Larry Lynch, who was dismissed in December of 2013.
Budget process underway
Mapleton council also held a preliminary budget meeting on Nov. 4.
“What we did is just go over the projects and the needs that we have,” said Driscoll.
“Next meeting we want a report back from our treasurer and (McRoberts) on how do we finalize, or fund these.”
The first draft includes operational expenditures of nearly $8.75 million against revenues of $2.65 million and a levy requirement of about $6.1 million.
While those numbers represent an increase of more than 20 per cent from the 2015 budget levy of just over $5 million, Driscoll notes it’s early in the process, adding he feels it’s misleading to focus on percentages when dealing with budget figures.
“The percentage isn’t big to me, it’s more what does it cost my taxpayer at home,” said Driscoll.
“Puslinch could have a nine per cent increase and it’s only $20 dollars, whereas I could have a nine per cent increase and it’s $150. I just hate percentages. They cloud the real message.”
