Saint Andrews will consider reducing the size of its council to six from nine members.
Municipal staff brought forward a report to council during this week’s regular meeting.
CAO Chris Spear said the town used to have six councillors until local governance reform in 2023.
That process saw the communities of Bayside and Chamcook incorporated into the municipality.
“The facilitator, through the minister of local government, thought we should allow each ward to have representation,” Spear told council during Monday’s meeting.
Two councillors were elected for Chamcook and one for Bayside, in addition to the six Saint Andrews already had.
Spear said there is no doubt they have a larger number of councillors compared to many other municipalities.
For example, he noted St. Stephen has one fewer councillor than Saint Andrews but double the population.
And many New Brunswick cities have similar-sized councils with much larger populations than the coastal community.
“The facilitator thought we should just have a look at it,” said Spear, adding that a number of other municipalities are doing the same.
There would be a cost savings for the municipality if it were to reduce the number of councillors. Mayor Brad Henderson said it would be in the range of around $42,000 per year.
Councillor Jamie Hirtle said he is concerned that fewer councillors could reduce the municipality’s influence at the provincial and federal levels.
“I’m wondering if we would be aware of any way that that would actually happen, or if it’s just more speculation on my part at this point?” Hirtle said, directing his question to municipal staff.
Spear said they do not believe having a smaller council would have any sort of impact.
“From my work, especially at the provincial level, they look at the community as a whole. Whether we had three people around the table or 300, it’s still looking at the community and the needs of the community,” he added.
Staff have been directed to bring a draft bylaw back to council for review.