YORKTON, Sask. — Municipal business will continue as usual in Yorkton while Mayor Aaron Kienle takes an unpaid leave of absence to run in the federal byelection in Yorkton-Melville, with Deputy Mayor Randy Goulden assuming his duties.
Goulden said the mayor's temporary absence does not trigger a change in council's structure or decision-making process under Saskatchewan's Cities Act.
"Right now I am the deputy mayor and I am just resuming responsibilities that the mayor cannot complete," Goulden said.
Goulden's current role stems from a rotation established at the beginning of council's municipal term, in which councillors take turns serving as deputy mayor for set periods. Her four-month term began in November and runs through February.
While the mayor is away, Goulden will assume responsibilities normally handled by the mayor, including representing the city at events and maintaining a civic presence at community functions.
"The deputy mayor has responsibilities, but it would go to council members to help fulfil all the duties and responsibilities," Goulden said. "For instance, attending events and bringing a city presence to events that happen throughout the city."
She emphasized that the temporary change will not affect the city's day-to-day operations, services or governance.
"The city focus is always on our municipal services, our municipal operations and advocating for Yorkton," Goulden said. "We continue doing the work that we always do. There is no interruption in those services or operations."
Council meetings and regular business will also continue as scheduled.
The situation is different from a vacancy in the mayor's office. Under Saskatchewan's Cities Act, if the position became vacant, city council would appoint a councillor to act as mayor until a byelection could be held.
Because Kienle remains mayor while on leave, those provisions have not been triggered.
Goulden said the legislation governing Saskatchewan cities was designed to ensure municipalities can continue operating smoothly during temporary absences of elected officials.
