Last week, the Town of Athabasca's council terminated its contract with chief administrative officer Josh Pyrcz. Councillors were notified the week previous that the town's chief bureaucrat had tendered his resignation.
Last week, the Town of Athabasca's council terminated its contract with chief administrative officer Josh Pyrcz.
Councillors were notified the week previous that the town's chief bureaucrat had tendered his resignation.
Council then passed a motion to pay out five weeks' salary in exchange for his immediate departure, and waiving the buy-out clause in the contract.
The Town of Athabasca will soon be feeling the effects of this decision, if it is not already doing so.
Update: Parks foreman selected as town's interim CAO
Under the Municipal Government Act, every municipality must have a CAO in place. In fact, the Town of Athabasca's council has only the one employee, who is supposed to ensure that council's motions are carried out and the town operates smoothly.
By voting the way they did, council has rushed through their decision to end Pyrcz's contract without an interim CAO in place.
The CAO plays an essential role as the administrative head of a municipality. They are responsible for ensuring policies and programs are implemented, advising council, recording all council minutes, keeping accurate financial records, and tax assessment are prepared.
Without someone running the show, there is a huge void - it will be difficult for council to hold meetings and approve minutes, and no new staff can be hired. Town administration is already short staffed, having several members of its staff leave over the last six months.
Municipal Affairs will need to step in immediately to ensure the town is abiding by the law, but more importantly, to ensure the town continues to run.
It has been a bumpy road for council over the last year, and this quick decision with no safety net will not make it any easier.
