Penticton Western December 07, 2010 6:00 PM
Summerland no longer has an economic development officer as Scott Boswell’s position was terminated Nov. 29. The termination comes as a result of a council decision and was not based on Boswell’s performance in the role. Instead, municipal administrator Don DeGagne said council decided the long-term strategic approach to attract businesses was not needed at present. The costs of an economic development officer are around $140,000 a year, including wages, programs and other expenses. DeGagne said council is looking at another position to address economic development needs for the community.
Mayor Janice Perrino said the job cut was necessary. “The economy is terrible,” she said. “This is a very expensive position and Summerland can’t afford it.” Boswell has worked as the municipality’s economic development officer for the past six years. He was given severance when his contract was cut short. The contract had been renewed for three years in April, at a time when Perrino and others on council had expected an improvement in the economy. “The world has changed in the past six months and it’s worse,” she said, adding that since April Summerland has lost several businesses. “This position, with its current model, is not working, said Perrino, adding council will rethink ways to meet the needs of economic growth.
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