Councillor Laurie Maher was tonight re-elected as Gosford City Mayor and Cr Craig Doyle as Deputy Mayor. 

The two nominations for Mayor were Cr Maher and Cr Malcolm Brooks. 

Cr Maher was returned to office on a six votes to four show of hands. 

There were three nominations for Deputy Mayor -- Councillors Trevor Drake, Jim Macfadyen and Craig Doyle. 

On the first open vote (show of hands), Cr Doyle had four votes, with three votes each for Crs Drake and Macfadyen. 

Councillor Macfadyen was then excluded by lot. 

On the next vote, Crs Drake and Doyle each recorded five votes, with the decision for the Deputy Mayor position again depending upon a lot draw. 

Upon Councillor Doyle's name being drawn, he was then announced Deputy Mayor. 

Tonight's Council meeting also resolved that the Deputy Mayor's annual fee be set at 15 per cent of the total Mayor's fee and be deducted from the Mayoral annual fee. 

In September, 2005, the Deputy Mayor's fee was also set  at 15 per cent (or $6,555) of the total Mayor's fee.

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