Cobourg’s Director of Community Services, Brian Geerts, has announced he will be leaving the municipality on September 14 to take on a new role with Norfolk County.
Geerts joined the Town of Cobourg more than three years ago, overseeing recreation, culture, events, and other key community programs during his time in the leadership position. His departure leaves a vacancy in a senior management role central to the delivery of public services.
In response to the announcement, Mayor Lucas Cleveland has invoked Ontario’s Strong Mayor Powers to ensure the hiring process moves forward without delay. The mayor has delegated authority to the Chief Administrative Officer to appoint the next director of community services.
The use of Strong Mayor Powers, granted to certain Ontario municipalities under provincial legislation, allows mayors to make or delegate key staffing and budgetary decisions. In this case, the decision shifts responsibility for the recruitment process from council to administration.
The town has not yet announced a timeline for filling the role, but the mayor’s decision is intended to maintain continuity of services and streamline the transition as Geerts prepares to depart.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
