The Warden and Chief Administrative Officer of Hastings County are back for two more years.

County Council adjusted its procedural by-law to elect Rick Phillips back into the position virtually for 2021 and 2022 at its meeting Thursday.

Phillips was acclaimed to another two-year term, after no other nominations were brought forward.

Meantime, Jim Pine had his contract extended as CAO until at least June 2022.

Phillips stated he’s pleased to see council put its trust and support in him for another term to lead the County during some hard COVID-19 times and beyond.

“We’ve worked well together regarding all other issues as well,” he said.

“It could be an exciting two years with the EORN project moving forward, hopefully, more rapidly now with funding, the cell gap project and many other projects that come up.”

“We’re all challenged with regards to our infrastructure. We’ve got to try and collaboratively work with our federal and provincial counterparts,” Phillips added.

Phillips’ inauguration will be held in December.

Council will take nominations from the floor at its November regular meeting for who will fill the new deputy warden’s role.

Clerk Cathy Bradley said if there is more than one nomination, an election will be held at the January session of council.