Lethbridge city council will have an extra year in office after the next election.
The Local Authorities Elections Act was amended this week, to include four-year terms for elected officials.
“This is a progression,” said Mayor Rajko Dodic. “It makes a lot of sense in terms of giving members of council an opportunity to get their feet in the first year then serve for an additional three years.”
The move was recommended following the 2010 municipal election, a proposal originally brought forward by Lethbridge delegates at a meeting of the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association.
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Most provinces already have four-year municipal terms.
It’s believed another year in office could also extend city budget cycles.
“The city does a good job of projecting what things will look like three years down the road,” said Councillor Faron Ellis. “When you go four years down the road, there will likely be need for mid-term adjustments or possibly annual adjustments.”
The added commitment from candidates may force some to think twice before running.
Bonnie Farries with the Town of Coaldale said the biggest effect will be in smaller communities.
“You’re dealing with volunteers who are donating their time for the most part,” said Farries. “Any remuneration is nominal, a four-year term might be daunting at a smaller municipal level.”
In addition to the extra year in office, the amendment calls for changes to campaign fundraising.
Candidates would have to formally register before accepting donations, and can no longer keep surplus money.
Those moves won’t take effect until after 2013, while the amendment will come in time for the election slated for October 2013.
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