Mayor Andrew Sloan has issued his first official decision under Ontario’s expanded Building Faster Fund legislation, delegating key staffing and organizational responsibilities to Central Elgin’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Carey Herd.
The decision grants the CAO full authority to manage municipal staff operations, including determining the organizational structure of the municipality and making employment-related decisions such as hiring and dismissals.
“This delegation reflects not only trust in our administrative leadership but also our shared goal of delivering exceptional service to the community,” said Mayor Sloan. “I have full confidence in the CAO’s leadership, experience, and strategic vision for our Municipality.”
The move comes as Central Elgin begins to operate under new “Strong Mayor” powers recently extended to the municipality by the Province. The intent, according to Sloan, is to foster accountable leadership, improve efficiency, and support high-performing local government operations.
Despite the increased authority granted under the legislation, Mayor Sloan emphasized that his leadership style remains rooted in collaboration. He said he will continue to prioritize transparency and public engagement through one-on-one meetings, community town halls, and open communication with staff.
“I remain committed to continuing the path of collaboration that has marked this term of Council,” Sloan added, “and to ensuring that residents continue to have meaningful opportunities to engage with and meet both myself and Council.”
This first decision signals what the Mayor describes as a long-term vision for a “resilient, responsive, and future-ready Central Elgin.”
To view official mayoral decisions under the Strong Mayor Powers, residents can visit the Mayoral Decisions page on the Municipality of Central Elgin’s website.
Written by: K. Freeman
