Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: April 13, 2010 7:00 PM
A Vernon councillor wants every aspect of city operations scrutinized, but he won’t speculate on whether that could lead to layoffs. Coun. Bob Spiers put his colleagues on notice Monday that he wants a core service review done prior to 2011 budget discussions beginning later this year. “Every business should look at what they’re involved in, what services should be cancelled or what services should be expanded,” he said. A recent core services review in Penticton led to that city firing three top managers. Other recommendations to streamline operations are presently being investigated. The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen is also considering a similar review, which would look at service delivery as well as staffing levels.
Spiers says Vernon council must still decide if a core service review will proceed, and he is reluctant to discuss the possibility of staff jobs being eliminated. “If we do a review, whatever happens, happens,” he said. “It may say we need more people in some areas and less people in other areas.”
Spiers’ review request isn’t getting much support. “We have programs in place to make sure each department is giving the best bang for its buck,” said Mayor Wayne Lippert. Lippert also believes there isn’t a need for Vernon to go through such an extensive process because Penticton has already gone through such an exercise. “We can learn a lot from their experience,” he said of looking at what steps Penticton has taken. “I’m not sure we need to spend a considerable amount of money on a core service review.” The core service review in Penticton cost $70,000, and Coun. Jack Gilroy says that would be a waste of Vernon’s money. “We do small ones every year and we have a great staff. Things are working well in the city,” he said. It’s expected that Spiers’ notice of motion will come before council for discussion April 26.
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