It’s time to tighten the City’s belt.
Owen Sound Council is preparing for its annual Service Analysis workshop this weekend.
This Friday and Saturday, Council and senior staff will meet at the Owen Sound and North Grey Union Public Library to discuss the City’s services.
Mayor Ruth Lovell Stanners says it’s a chance to discuss progressive ways to change City services — without focusing on a final dollar figure.
No one talked about financial figures during a news conference yesterday.
Instead the Mayor and City Manager Jim Harrold says they want to focus on the jobs and services provided by the City to ensure they are as efficient as possible.
Harrold says they will allocate a specific amount to necessities like Police and Fire Services, while continuing to support recreation and culture in the community.
Harrold says the pressure is on the City to find ways to be innovative and encourage new activities while still fulfilling basic services.
But there are a number of controversial topics up for discussion — including downtown parking and a heritage tax break.
One proposal is to allow free downtown parking all day Saturday.
The other proposal is a property tax break for heritage properties.
Mayor Lovell Stanners also wants Council and Staff to look at ways to hold events at the harbour every weekend from Victoria Day to Labour Day.
The Mayor also wants to look at ways to produce more partnerships with business.
After discussing future ideas, council will move forward to prepare for the Pre-Budget meeting on December 5th, followed by Budget deliberations on February 6th 2009.
