The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is the head of the administrative branch of the government and is responsible to Council for the proper administration of the affairs of the Municipality in accordance with the by-laws of the Municipality and the policies adopted by Council. In the case of Clare, the CAO also acts as the Municipal Clerk, Treasurer and Engineer.

Responsibilities of the CAO

  • Coordinating and directing the preparation of plans and programs to be submitted to Council for the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of all municipal property and facilities;
  • Ensuring the preparation, submission and administration of the annual municipal budget;
  • Reviewing all proposed by-laws and policies and making recommendations to Council with respect to them;
  • Appointing, suspending and removing all employees of the Municipality;
  • Making authorized expenditures, entering contracts on behalf of the Municipality, negotiating and executing leases of real property owned by the Municipality and authorizing, in the name of the Municipality, the commencement or defence of a legal action or proceedings before a court, board or tribunal;
  • Representing council as administrator on a variety of boards, commissions and subcommittees, and is primarily responsible to represent Clare administratively on regional shared services and subsidiary organizations.

The CAO’s work is supported by the Administrative Assistant to the Chief Administrative Officer who contributes to a variety of project files supporting the strategic objectives of the Municipality. The Administrative Assistant manages the Municipality’s Community Clean-up Program, coordinates the Grant to Organizations Program and is the primary point of contact for Council meetings and agendas. 

Organizational Study Report

In March 2015, the Municipality of Clare conducted an organizational study. The organizational study was carried out under the supervision of Municipal Council. The scope of study focused on the service areas of Administration, Finance, Public Works, Environmental Services, Protective Services, Building and Fire Inspection Services and Tourism. Policing and Fire services were examined only as they related to municipal staff involvement. As part of the Study, a review of current municipal organizational issues, legislation and reform initiatives in Nova Scotia and across Canada was done. The Municipality’s governance and staff organizational structures were also examined as part of the study.

pdfDownload the Municipality of Clare’s Organizational Study – Final Report