During the next municipal election, residents in Sexsmith could see a reduction in the number of positions they cast a ballot for. On Monday, November 20th, Sexsmith council gave second reading to a bylaw change that would see the number of councillors drop from six to four, plus the mayor equaling five elected officials.
The benefits reported for dropping the number of councillors include an estimated savings of $40,000 to $65,000 per year for the town, the result of fewer honorarium payments for meetings, conferences, training, and seminars. Another possible benefit reported is that making council smaller could shorten discussions and move business along quicker, while an anticipated negative is that it would mean more work for elected officials.
Before the bylaw is given a third reading, the town will hold a public consultation, with an open house expected in the new year.
The topic of reducing the council size was first brought to the Committee of the Whole on October 10th, when administration was directed to draft a bylaw for the reduction and bring it back to regular council for discussion.