DIDSBURY - In a split decision, the Town of Didsbury's council has accepted the resignation of longtime chief administrative officer (CAO) Ethan Gorner.
The move came by way of motion at the end of a special council meeting on Monday, Feb. 24.
Gorner has been the CAO since Jan. 6, 2020.
The CAO is the top administrative official with the municipality, overseeing all other staff.
During Monday’s one-hour, 38-minute special council meeting, council held in-camera discussions on the matter.
Following the in-camera portion of the meeting, council passed two motions.
In one motion, council accepted Gorner’s resignation, with mayor Rhonda Hunter, deputy mayor Curt Engel and Coun. Bill Windsor voting in favour, and councillors Dorothy Moore and John Baswick voting against.
A second motion called for Amanda Riley, the town’s current chief financial officer, to be appointed acting CAO.
That motion passed with mayor Rhonda Hunter, deputy major Curt Engel and Coun. Bill Windsor voting in favour, and councillors Dorothy Moore and John Baswick voting against.
Neither motion made any reference as to why Gorner has resigned.
In a press release issued Tuesday, mayor Rhonda Hunter said, “We thank Mr. Gorner for his time and service to the organization and the community. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
“The Town (of Didsbury) will continue with the good work and important projects already underway, and the dedicated and qualified staff have the full support and appreciation of council.
“Over the next days and weeks, we will discuss next steps and make a plan for the CAO recruitment process.”
Editor's note: This article has been updated from the original with comment from the Town of Didsbury's mayor.
