Grant District Council has elected a new deputy mayor with councillor Megan Dukalskis being declared the winner of a secret ballot.
The two-person ballot was between Councillor Dukalskis and Cr Barry Kuhl.
Whether Cr Dukalskis fills a one year or two-year term in the role is yet to be determined.
Election of deputy mayor had been deferred from the November meeting.
Three councillors were initially nominated for the position.
Cr Karen Turnbull nominated Cr Kuhl, Cr Peter Duncan nominated Cr Dukalskis, Cr Gavin Clarke nominated himself and Cr Peter Duncan nominated Cr Dukalskis,
The first vote at this meeting saw Crs Kuhl and Dukalskis tied, resulting in Cr Clarke being excluded from the next vote.
The second vote was tied again and it was determined the matter would be deferred to a future meeting to allow Cr Bruce Bains, who was absent from the November and December meetings, vote be counted.
Cr Brad Mann moved the recommendation however spoke to the motion, suggesting the position be for 12 months.
“My reason is so other elected members can get some experience in this role as well,” Cr Mann said.
He also recommended the current deputy mayor could not renominate for a consecutive 12 months when re-election of the position takes place.
Cr Barry Kuhl disagreed with Cr Mann’s suggestion.
“I do not think 12 months is long enough, especially as we have gone to one meeting a month.
“Twelve meetings and you might not have the opportunity to chair a meeting,” Cr Kuhl said.
Cr Dukalskis said there was a lot to be gained and learned from the process.
She was first elected to council in 2018 and has served on committees including Audit and Risk, Australia Day and Junior Sporting Assistance Fund.
This is her first stint as deputy mayor.
Consideration of either a one year or two-year term was put on notice to be debated at the next meeting.
At the November meeting council resolved the term would be for two years.
Governance officer Brittany Shelton clarified details around changing the original resolution, stating to vary the motion the matter does need to be put on notice for the next council meeting.
The next ordinary council meeting will be held on February 20.
