Northumberland County council
An urgent special council meeting has been called for later today for Northumberland County to meet in an in-closed session to tackle matters relating to a CAO position for the corporation.
In a release issued Wednesday, Oct. 1, Northumberland County confirmed an “urgent special meeting” had been called for 6 p.m. for the purposes of meeting in closed session.
The release goes on to read that in accordance with the Municipal Act, council will meet in an in-camera session regarding a matter pertaining to personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees, and then indicates a CAO position subject matter in brackets.
As always, the meeting is accessible virtually to the public or people can attend in-person – but the in-camera session happens behind closed doors. If tuning in virtually, the public will see a closed session screen on the livestream during this portion, noted officials, in Wednesday’s release.
At this time, it’s anticipated there will be no public announcements this evening.
As previously reported earlier this week, following a special county council meeting that was supposed to be dedicated to budget deliberations, Warden Brian Ostrander issued a brief statement confirming the county was parting ways with long-time CAO Jennifer Moore.
“On behalf of county council, I am advising that effective today, Jennifer Moore is no longer serving as chief administrative officer of Northumberland County,” reads the statement.
No specific reasons or details have been outlined for the changeup.
In Ostrander’s statement, he goes on to state that during Moore’s 17 years of service, she provided dedicated and respected leadership, guiding the county through periods of transformative change.
“In her role as CAO over the last 10 years, as well as seven years as director of finance/treasurer prior to that, she prepared budgets that strengthened the county’s financial management, navigated complex projects, championed improvements to processes, and enhanced services for the community,” he said.
“She was also a valued mentor to many staff, fostering professional growth and helping to build an organizational culture of excellence that will endure,” his statement reads. “Her commitment to public service has left a lasting impact, and county council wishes her all the very best in her future pursuits.”
In that same statement, he said no interim CAO had been appointed, and that senior management would continue to conduct the affairs of the organization and report directly to council while council considers next steps.
In response to MBC inquiries Monday following the meeting and warden’s statement, a Northumberland County spokesperson said this direction was a decision of council but no further details regarding a closed session Monday could be shared at that time.
MBC also reached out to Moore Monday who declined to comment at that time.
According to Wednesday’s agenda, the estimated time of adjournment for the meeting is 7:30 p.m.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
