Bracebridge Council opposed to defer $35000 for Services Delivery Review
Council denied the request to defer the 2023 Services Delivery Review, in the March 8, 2023, meeting.
According to the Draft 2023 Municipal Budget and Business Plan, the Town is to “Undertake an Organizational and Service Delivery Review to be presented for consideration in 2023.” It is expected to be completed by the third quarter and presented for consideration. The financial impacting of the review on this year’s budget $35,000.
Councillor, Don Smith, in favour of amending the Review and keeping the money in the reserves, advised Council that having this study done is substantial and that it should be postponed until the completion of the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre (MLCC) and library developments for a more accurate and “broader view” and assessment of the impact to the services the Town provides. He said, “It’s more value for our dollar when the study is done.”
Councillor, Archie Buie, concurred with Smith, adding, “You don’t want to get the buggy before the horse. You don’t want to spend money until you see the whole picture.” Although he expressed interest in having the study done in the future, he believes it “makes more common sense when we get the project done…after a $70 million project is completed, and look at the full-service delivery, not just part of it.”
CAO, Stephen Rettie, indicated, “The timing is never perfect. This item is forward looking. We feel the timing is appropriate.” He said there will other projects coming up such as climate change, making it challenging to wait for the MLCC facility to open.
Councillor, Andrew Struthers, said, “We’re going to be wasting more than $35,000 not having the project looked at.”
