The role and functions of an acting mayor will go under the microscope in the next council term after year-long conjecture about the title.
On Monday night, Werribee resident Lisa Heinrichs sought clarification on what the title meant, and when it was used.
Councillor Gautam Gupta was elected acting mayor at mayoral elections last October. He has used the title year-round as his email signature, on business cards and as his official title.
Wyndham council chief executive Kelly Grisgby said the council appointed an acting mayor – rather than a deputy mayor – to make it easier when someone was needed to fill in due to the mayor’s absence.
“The Local Government Act states that, if there is a vacancy in the office of mayor, or the mayor is absent, incapable of acting, or refusing to act, the council must appoint one of the councillors to be acting mayor,” Ms Grisgby said.
“The role of acting mayor is only enacted in the event that the mayor is absent, incapable or refusing to act.
“The title of acting mayor is used when the acting mayor is required to act in the absence of the mayor,” she said.
“In regards to acknowledgement at events, the acting mayor has been acknowledged when the mayor has not been in attendance.
“That’s something that, in a new council term, council will look at – in terms of the role and function of an acting mayor.”
