Possible shared services makes sense

Hmm, so the door is open, but will any municipality walk through?

The figurative door which was opened was the potential of additional shared services as Lincoln council approved a formal motion to highlight their willingness to open conversations on the topic.

This is not a new phenomenon.

The difference this time is Grimsby happens to have a couple of major openings - director of planning and chief administrative officer among them - so investigation of additional joint services could be fruitful.

Always, and by always I mean every single time, the number one stumbling block in any of these instances revolves around the key partners wanting to stabilize services and reduce cost if possible, but keeping a tight grip on autonomy.

Nobody would want to look like they gave up any right or control within their municipality for the very real certainty their name would become Mudd.

The fact Lincoln approved a formal motion to voice its willingness to discuss possibilities speaks volumes. It would certainly make sense for Grimsby officials to already be thinking that way given the key openings which are presenting significant options right now.

Windows of this nature

MIKE WILLISCRAFT

do not come along often. We had a similar instance - on a much, much smaller scale - back in my days as Lincoln Chamber president. We recognized the benefits which could be realized by a joint Niagara West Chamber. The blueprint to follow had already been laid out by Welland chamber’s moves years ago when they merged with Niagara Falls, Port Colborne, Wainfleet, Pelham and Fort Erie.

Simply, all local chambers keep their autonomy, run their own fundraising and control of programs and money but the administration of the organizations would merge and would have solidified and expanded staffing issues which were evident.

West Lincoln was ready to talk.. Grimsby...not so much. It was a non-starter.

It is a pretty good indication of how much sense it would have made for Chambers to share administrative services when the municipalities in which they exist are considering such a notion.

But back to the municipalities....absolutely they should lock themselves in the back room at the Judge & Jester and not emerge until they have an agreement which can benefit all players.

Now, Grimsby is in a very tricky position in that they are missing staff, are shortstaff beyond that and are left holding the financial bag by previous councils which put the Town’s financial support behind West Lincoln Memorial Hospital - and took glory for same - but did absolutely zero to plan how to pay for the Town’s $9.3 million share of the new build.

This could have been softened or even fully taken care of today with proper planning and establishment of a reserve for the expenditure but prior councils lived for the day and not the long-term financial planning the Town needed.

So, if Grimsby can economize and save a few bucks on the staffing end by opting into a shared services agreement with Lincolnor anyone else - it certainly makes sense. And even if it is simply a level playing field, no doubt a solid agreement would stabilize things on the admin sidesomething the community is desperate for after the last three-year fiasco.

Bottom line, it’s time to get it on people! If they need a referee, I am glad to humbly offer my services. I work for nachos.