In speaking to her motion to allow a vote, councillor Robyn Bain said that while the councillors continued to choose the mayor, she did not consider that to be giving democracy to the people.

“The election of the mayor wasn’t transparent. People had no idea why the nine of us came to the conclusion we did,” Cr Bain said.

The process to move from a councillor elected mayor to a popularly elected mayor must first be put to the people in a referendum and the majority of people voting must agree to the change before it can be enacted at the next council election.

Ms Barnes said that a standalone referendum would cost around $270,000 to $300,000 and as part of a council election it would add around $10 per cent to the cost, somewhere around $40,000.

Councillor Sharon Tapscott said that the cost was significant although Cr Bain had said that democracy shouldn’t have a cost. 

”The mayor is the leader of a team. Most teams put their own leader up. They are appointed because they have the respect of the team and know how to lead. It’s about leadership skills,” Cr Tapscott said.

Councillors and staff have to be able to work with these people. It doesn’t always happen that a popularly elected mayor can work with everyone.”

But councillor Tony Allen said the community had spoken. In a reference to his own polling, Cr Allen said the message was delivered in 2008, 2012 and comprehensively delivered in 2016. 

“If we dont have regard for their wishes not doing our job. I haven’t met one person who doesn’t want the opportunity to vote for the mayor.”

The mayor, Kristy McBain said that the nine people elected to council had the best knowledge of who was best to lead the organisation. 

“I’m not against going out to the public but given the cost let’s get some good community feedback before we do,” Cr McBain said.