A long-promised scrutiny of operations is moving ahead at the City of Vernon. Council approved the terms of reference for a core service review Monday, and administration is expected to report back on the search for a review consultant Sept. 10. "I'm happy we're finally moving ahead," said Coun. Bob Spiers, who has pushed for a review for years and garnered the support of his colleagues after last year's election. Spiers describes the city as not being financially sustainable and says there is a need to look at expenditures and new sources of revenue. However, he won't provide the consultant with any guidance. "I won't pre-judge what comes out of it," said Spiers of the review. It's possible the results of the review could be before council for consideration in early 2013. "We want information that allows us to have a sustainable budget process," said Mayor Rob Sawatzky, adding there is also a need to ensure that the services residents want are provided.
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Council Approves Core Service Review
Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Monday, 23 July 2012 19:21It's been talked about for a couple of years, but a core service review has finally got the go ahead from Vernon council. The city will spend up to $80,000 for an independent firm to review all aspects of city spending including staff levels and services. Council approved the terms of reference at Monday's meeting, bringing the motion out of in-camera. Councillor Brian Quiring says it will show if taxpayers money is being spent wisely. "This will go a long ways in showing that, and if there's necessary changes that have to be made in order to be competitive with the private sector, then that's going to have to happen." Mayor Rob Sawatzky explained to the media what he wants to get out of the process. "To get the information that allows us to have a sustainable budget process that delivers the services the community wants in an affordable and most cost effective manner." Councillor Bob Spiers has been pushing for the review for over two years, feeling the city's current spending levels are unsustainable. However, Spiers is not going to pre-judge what the conclusions will be, and that there may be calls for staff cuts. "We may end up finding through the review that we may need more staff because we're gong to provide more services. Who knows?" A consultant to conduct the review could be chosen by September 10th after a request for proposals, and council could have recommendations before them for decisions, by early next year.
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