How many years should a mayor sit as warden for the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR)? That is a question that the mayors of the region may decide before the end of this year.

Earlier in the year administration staff for the (UCPR presented counties council with a report about the possibility of changing the term of office for the warden of the UCPR from one year to two years. The intent was to provide more continuity for the leadership of UCPR council in dealing with major issues.

The warden’s position is occupied by one of the eight mayors of the member municipalities of the UCPR. Each year the position of warden alternates between a mayor from Prescott County and a mayor from Russell County. Each warden serves a one-year term and may be named as warden again for a future term if they wish to serve again when the opportunity permits.

Several mayors on UCPR council question whether any change is needed for how long a mayor may sit as warden. Other mayors agree that a two-year term could provide more continuity when dealing with some critical issues.

UCPR administration was directed to provide a more detailed report on the issue for council to review this month and decide whether or not to change the term of office for the warden. The report will include information on how other regional governments in Ontario handle the matter, and include the benefits and possible problems.

Any change to the term of office for the UCPR warden won’t happen right away. Next year is municipal elections year in Ontario and UCPR council will not make any significant changes to the warden’s mandate until after the new UCPR council is sworn in following next year’s municipal elections. UCPR council will need to wait to see if any or all incumbent mayors are returned to office by next November.