Each nomination for both the position of mayor and deputy mayor requires the nominating signature of two councillors; that nominee must also consent to the nomination. 

Following the nominations, a ballot will be held among the councillors.

Mayor Bill Taylor would not be drawn on whether he would like to run again, only saying the vote was “days away and you have up until the last minute to decide”.

Current deputy mayor Russell Fitzpatrick said he would like to be in the running, but would not be indulging any campaigning for a nomination among his fellow councillors. 

“I would be happy to be nominated for either position – mayor or deputy mayor – as I believe it’s an honour to represent the shire and its residents,” he said.

“I think we need some more progressive ideas in council so I’m happy to put my hand up. 

“I do, however, really think this should be something that is open to popular election, but not among the councillors and I won’t be spending my time campaigning amongst my colleagues. 

“I also think having this every year is just ridiculous.”

Cr Fitzpatrick thought recommendations by the NSW Government in its Fit for the Future blueprint for local government reform to have mayoral terms of two years “were on the right track”.

Cr Sharon Tapscott said she would be putting her hand up for deputy mayor. 

"It's very much a role that supports the mayor and it's a role all of the councillors fulfil at one time or another as part of their duties already.

“I believe quite a few councillors are going for the deputy mayor position and everyone is capable, none more than another.

“I don’t want to place too much emphasis on the idea, but I do think it would be nice to have a woman in the job and I think Liz [Seckold] and Ann [Mawhinney] are also thinking about the deputy mayor position,” Cr Tapscott said.

Former mayor Cr Tony Allen also said he “hadn’t decided” whether to seek nomination or for whom he would be casting his vote, but said he was “curious what other councillors were thinking”.

Cr Michael Britten told the BDN he is pursuing a nomination for mayor. 

"I've been in involved with council for eight years now, as well as four years in the 1980s, so I believe I have the experience that will be needed to assist with the application of the new Local Government Act in the coming twelve months," he said.

The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers on Wednesday in Zingel Place, Bega, 2pm and is open to the public.