Saving or losing

Council to weigh cost savings and their implications

A committee of council will ponder a range of recommendations this week that could radically alter the way this community connects to its history, governing administrators and each other.

These recommendations are contained within a report dubbed “Financial Sustainability Opportunities” that will be considered by council today (Wednesday). The report seeks council’s approval to adopt 19 proposals to streamline the business of the County, put more discretionary powers in the hands of administrators and begin the process to dispose of land and properties deemed expendable.

Some of the more incendiary recommendations include closing and selling the museum and town hall in Wellington as well as the review and possible sale of other town and community halls. The report calls for fewer fire halls and fire trucks as well as a consolidation of Public Works facilities with perhaps shared facilities between municipal services.

In their report, CAO Merlin Dewing and commissioners of four municipal departments write that they have compiled this list of cost saving opportunities to begin moving County administration toward long-term financial sustainability. They will, according to the report:

• achieve long-term financial sustainability and best business practices;

• result in ongoing operating and maintenance cost savings;

• improve efficiencies of service delivery;

• take advantage of alternative approaches to service delivery; and

• minimize negative impact on public relations and have general public support.

Some individuals and groups are already rallying supporters to fight back against what they see as the systematic dismantling of the things, facilities and places that make living in the County distinctive and unique.

Nearly 120 people crowded into the Ameliasburgh Town Hall last week. Many were there to push back against proposals to close museums, libraries and halls. Still others railed against taxes and costs that were forcing them to live elsewhere.

Molly Mulloy spoke for many in the room. She doesn’t want her town hall or library sacrificed for municipal savings.

“These buildings are critical to me,” said Mulloy. “I’d rather pay taxes and find savings elsewhere.”

Mulloy admits her personal circumstances make it difficult to absorb continuous cost increases— but given the alternative of losing these community facilities she is prepared to dig even deeper.

But, if being asked to carry a heavier burden, she wants assurance from the mayor, council and senior administrators that they will do a better job of marketing and managing the good things in this community.

“The Pioneer Village at Ameliasburgh should be marketed much better than it is,” said Mulloy.

For every voice like Mulloy’s—and there were many—there was another like the young woman who told the mayor and members of council that her future is in Belleville because her family can no longer afford to live here and raise their young children.