MOOSE JAW — has come to understand the issues facing Moose Jaw and the need to enhance customer service and develop ways to measure projects’ successes.
However, with all the other work coming across her desk and regular demands from city council, she is unable to fully dedicate her time to implementing these two initiatives.
This is why she wants to hire a chief of staff (COS) who can support her, the mayor and executive leadership with research, project leadership, co-ordination of initiatives, communication with stakeholders, meeting strategic goals and enhancing operational efficiency.
This position would allow senior leadership to focus on high-level strategic initiatives, manage critical tasks effectively, meet priorities and drive the organization forward.
Council agreed that Carmichael requires extra support because, during a 2025 budget meeting, it voted 6-1 to approve the chief of staff position for $124,552. This money is not the full salary but includes costs for other things like furniture and benefits.
Mayor James Murdock was opposed.
A good investment
Carmichael said having a COS would help prevent files or projects from remaining open-ended and uncompleted. She has come across many old files — like land disputes or contract negotiations — that are decades old and have never been concluded.
She noted that that sometimes happens with different administrations, where staff work on a large file, it fades away unexpectedly, and then someone else finds it and attempts to resolve it.
“I’ve worked diligently to get those files fully resolved and closed, but it takes a lot of time,” Carmichael said.
A chief of staff could handle that work — especially contract negotiations — and conduct research and provide that information to the city manager, she continued. The COS could also take some work from directors so they can focus on meeting objectives.
“I fully understand that every time administration makes a request (for money), it comes from our residents. I’m fully conscious of that,” Carmichael said.
“(But) I think in this case, it is a good investment for our administration and for our city because it will (not only) be … a resource for my office but (will) really be for the benefit of the community.”
This position would likely require someone who is a generalist since the person would manage or lead certain projects, such as negotiating contracts or implementing initiatives, she stated.
Carmichael noted that the COS — who would be her right hand — would let her focus on “being the best partner to council,” making its objectives a reality, focusing on the next decade, and addressing the municipality’s financial situation.
“Maybe I can go back to my military days and bark a couple of orders and the person could do it,” she chuckled. “Perhaps I could give the person my vision and they could execute it.”
Council comments
Murdock said that when he was campaigning to be mayor, many people told him that he needed to “make city hall accountable.” Since starting in his role, he has seen the many things Carmichael does but needed more time to fully understand the COS role before voting for it.
The mayor added that he was “fearful” about approving this position since it “may look bad” to some city employees who are currently in bargaining situations.
This request is “a big ask,” but the city manager’s tasks are large as well, said Coun. Jamey Logan. He initially thought hiring a COS was “nuts,” but he realized the amount of time, effort, and work that administration dedicates to running the city.
“They can only juggle so many things, and eventually, some things fall through the cracks … ,” he continued. “And it’s not for lack of effort, for sure, (but) it’s a lack of team power pulling the rope in the right direction.”
Logan added that the city manager does too much reacting to daily incidents and “putting out fires,” instead of being proactive and helping the city succeed and grow.
Coun. Dawn Luhning said she was pleased that council hired Carmichael because the latter has kept members informed about situations that past city managers never did. That has been important, especially if residents mention topics during a public forum, while it has allowed her to be a better councillor.
The councillor added that council is slightly to blame for overburdening the city manager since she is their only employee and it would be inappropriate to send duties to directors.
Council hired Carmichael because it was displeased with how city hall was operating and members wanted someone to think “outside the box” to address issues, which is what she has done, said Coun. Heather Eby.
Furthermore, the COS position will make Carmichael and council “more accountable in a big way” to residents because the person will ensure files are being addressed and closed, she added.
Since being elected, Coun. Carla Delaurier said she had been educated “right quick” about the work the city manager and city clerk’s office do and the hours they work. She admitted to being “a cheapskate” and struggled to support this position, especially with budget challenges, but realized a COS was needed.
“I’m a former finger shaker of city hall, so I stand corrected on so many levels,” she added.
