Deputy mayor Bobby Bourke, who brought the issue up again at the last policy committee meeting, has asked that residents have the opportunity to vote on whether or not they want a popularly-elected mayor. 

It was an issue he raised in the last term of council, but attracted little support for. 

When his motion failed, it was said that council had the opportunity to see how successful the system is in Orange, which popularly elected a mayor for the first time at the September, 2017 local government election.

At that election, eligible voters were required to fill out two ballot forms when they attended the polls. 

One ballot listed the names of everyone running for general council, while the second listed those that had put themselves forward to be mayor. 

The candidate elected mayor, Reg Kidd, will hold the position until the next election in 2020. 

Cr Bourke said there would be no harm in simply asking the public how they want their mayor to be elected.

“It is only giving the community the chance to say yes or no, and we as councillors aren’t giving them that opportunity,” he said. 

“The people decide if we get to be councillors, so why shouldn’t they choose a mayor? 

“If they decide they don’t want a popularly-elected mayor, then that’s it until another Bobby Bourke comes along in a few years.” 

New faces on council aren't as convinced having a popularly-elected mayor is the best option for Bathurst.

Cr John Fry said he personally hasn’t heard any requests for a popularly-elected mayor from the public.

“Generally I think the Bathurst works best with the situation we have at the moment where the councillors select the mayor,” he said. 

Cr Alex Christian agreed, saying councillors know each other better and can see who would work best in that role, however he would be happy to take on board public opinion on the matter.