The province will accept the village of Sayward’s financial plan even though it passed the critical bylaws one day late.
Mayor Mark Baker said Friday no penalties will be levied against the village, crediting provincially appointed advisor Brian Carruthers with navigating the situation and liaising between the province and municipality.
It was the first time a municipality had missed the May 15 deadline to file under the Community Charter.
The financial bylaws requiring approval from the province allow municipalities to govern and to tax property owners.
Fourth and final reading of the bylaws was completed Thursday morning by Sayward’s three remaining council members.
“It’s been a stressful week. I’m glad it’s done and that’s behind us now,” Baker said Friday.
Problems started at a Monday council meeting when two late items were added to the agenda that involved naming committee members and a deputy mayor.
Baker wanted the two items to be put on hold until after a July 20 byelection to fill two vacant seats at the council table. He ended up leaving the meeting Monday before the financial bylaws came up.
“I might leave a meeting if that came up again,” he said. “I think it is important for the two new councillors to be involved in any major decisions.”
Two councillors have resigned this year, one in March and the other last week, as a result of conflict around the council table that prompted the village to ask the province for help.
The advisor provided by the province may stay past the election, said Baker, who is hoping that the revamped five-member council will work together more harmoniously.
