HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-07-02, Page 25THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JULY 2,1997 PAGE 25.
Cost uncertainties slow restructuring talks
Continued from page 1
been going on for over a year, with
the appearance that councils were
spinning wheels, was noted several
times throughout the meeting by a
number of representatives. Without
knowing whether the government
would approve any plan for restruc
turing if submitted, Scott said he
often wondered if councils were
wasting their time. "But if we can
do it, have it right and make it
stick, it's worth doing," he said.
Not knowing which if any type
of government would save money
has also been a worry. West
Wawanosh Reeve Bob Hallam
spoke on the uncertain future with
muncipalities being told they will
be taking over more of the costs of
more services in 1998.
"I fear we won't be able to talk
intelligently until 1998 when we
get into it," agreed Bailey.
Bruce Bergsma, from Hullett
wondered how the municipalities
could proceed until they knew the
figures. Bailey answered, "I’m not
sure we're wasting our time to go
Eleven Brussels and area youths completed a babysitting course through the Ark. Earning
their certificates were, in back, from left: Tricia Teeft, Nicole White, Brooklyn Wheeler,
Jessica Kessel, Matt Clarkson and Jodi Sellers. In front from left: Instructor Kathleen Dunn,
Samantha Thomas, Chrissy Mason, Kyle Stephenson, Crystal McLellan and Brittany
Kellington.
ahead. We've got to forget about
dotting our 'i's or crossing our 't’s.
We can't talk about costs at all. We
haven't spent a lot of dollars getting
guesswork answers."
The problem that no one believes
restructuring of any kind is going
to save money, nor have they been
shown by the government that it
will, has been a frtfStration. "The
people who have the most to gain
and the people who have the most
to lose are on salary now," said
Bailey. "We have 26 clerk-treasur
ers to think about. It makes sense to
me if it makes money. But five or
10 years down the road and we
realize it's a horrible mistake, we
can't go back."
Merv Bakker from Turnberry
agreed, saying it was probably
going to cost more than it would
save as staff would have to be
bought out and services main
tained.
Dunbar said the issue has become
a political thing to the province,
one that is no longer about money.
Though the idea of change for
change's sake bothered some, most
agreed that some steps must be
taken. Watson said, "If there is any
money to be saved, it's that we
come up with our own municipali
ty, not something that's been
rammed down our throats."
"I think Ralph has a point," said
Scrimgeour. "The problem will be
if we don't work towards some
form of amalgamation on our
own."
"It doesn't hurt to plan," said Hal
lam. "It may hold the commissioner
off."
The importance of involving full
council and of informing the public
became the next issue. Bergsma
and Hullett Councillor Doug Hugill
said they would not be involved in
a costly study, as Hullett had
already completed one with a cen
tral Huron group. "Everything has
been done in-house," said Dunbar.
"There won't be any consultants."
Hugill also stressed the impor
tance of keeping the public
informed.
Dunbar added that any plan
should be put on a ballot for the
public. "It will force us to be spe
cific."
Two proposals were made and
unanimously accepted. The first is
that each council state their prefer-
ance for one-tier or two-tier gov
WI holds convention
Continued from page 20
by maintaining the Women's
College Hospital in Toronto.
Congratulations to Douglas C.
Smith of Arkell and Jack Matthison
of Avonton, who were presented
w'h ♦*><» Frland I ce Au• ird of
Appreciation in appreciation of
their outstanding contribution and
support of Women's Institutes in
Canada.
As the convention and centennial
celebrations reach their conclusion
Seaforth PS award winners
Closing out their final year as
elementary school students, the
graduating class of Seaforth Public
School received recognition at an
awards ceremony, June 23.
Receiving honours were: David
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Ludwig, June Boussey Public
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Boussey Public Speaking Awards;
Charlene Thompson, Edna Bell
Continued on page 26
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