34 Responses to Community meetings set for Chatham-Kent budget preparation

1. 

   CKCITI

   January 7, 2012 at 4:41 pm

   I wonder if wage freezes will be part of the of the solution?
2. 

   CKCITI

   January 11, 2012 at 1:16 pm

   I watched the council meeting last night and wage freezes where not even mentioned. I suspect that will be the last cut while they shut down pools , libraries etc.
3. 

   Wage Freeze for Municipality is needed

   January 11, 2012 at 2:14 pm

   A wage freeze is a great place to start. MCK could show that they are actually in touch with what is going on in the private sector. Will it happen? When the people getting a possible wage freeze are the ones voting on the wage freeze – I’m guessing no.

   But while we are dreaming of what a private company might do… here are two suggestions:

   1- implement a four day work week for non-essential workers. The average 50,000.00 a year municipal worker would still be able to take home 40,000.00 a year. MCK will say that they are worried that a move like this would deter the “top talent” from wanting to apply the municipality. I would argue that this would appeal to “top talent” individuals that are financially secure and want to spend more time with their families. This single move would cut almost 9% off the overall operating budget and we would not have to raise taxes for the next decade. We would also enjoy operational surpluses for the next 8 years. We might have 4 days and not 5 to pay our taxes and other bills, but I think most of us would be happy to endure some small concessions for the greater good.

   2 – Shop local. How in the world are the people of CK expected not to shop out of the area when the majority of municipal contracts are awarded to companies located outside of Chatham Kent? If you want to stop cross border & out of town shopping start leading by example. I would suggest establishing a new “support local” initiative that would establish a committee to work with local businesses to fulfill all municipal contracts. This alone would infuse over 25,000,000 a year into our economy, how many jobs does that represent? And there is a reason why very few local companies bid on municipal work anymore – they rarely get the contracts – the process is ridiculously bloated and set up for large companies with unlimited budgets. Change the bidding process, it is broken when the majority of contracts are going outside your own municipality. Forget RFI, RFQ & RFP’s and start thinking ROI.
   • 

     Local Shopper

     January 11, 2012 at 6:50 pm

     @Wage Freeze for Municipality is needed

     Check out http://www.shoplocalck.com

     It’s at least one initiative aimed to encourage local spending in Chatham-Kent rather than heading down the 401 or across the border, and there are others out there too.

     The larger issue comes, as you alluded to, in terms of awarding contracts to local companies. Of course we would then see the favouritism arguement, and start wondering who’s in bed with whom (more than some already are), but it would be an incredible influx of monies to our local economy.
4. 

   Wage Freeze for muncipality needed(agree)

   January 11, 2012 at 5:57 pm

   What I fail to understand is how during times that have been categorized as the worst recession since the Great Depression they can just keep giving themselves more while the private sector employees have to face the grim realities of pay cuts/layoffs etc.
5. 

   Tired of Tax Increases

   January 11, 2012 at 6:01 pm

   It seems year after year a large increase number is thrown at us. We settle on a smaller figure thinking that we saved a bunch. Yet in reality, it has still gone up. I agree that the municipality needs to look at freezing wages as an option. Look around at the industries that are left in CK. How many get regular raises?? Not very many. There is also mention of nothing in the budget is strategic. Whose fault is that?? Those making the budget. You don’t have to spend more money to do strategic things. Private sector companies have to do strategic planning all the time and they don’t necessarily get more money to do it. Do we have capable people running this municipality?? Or do the people running it want to do the easy thing and just keep increasing the taxes instead of coming up with creative ideas on how to manage our tax dollars?? Taxes can’t keep increasing unless your tax base is increasing. Let’s get things under control without a tax increase.
6. 

   twoguest

   January 11, 2012 at 6:23 pm

   @wage freeze……
   4 day week sounds good however contracts will probably be a stumbling block.

   Buy local sounds good however many local companies do work in other communities; what happens when those communities do the same? Maybe simplification of the process would at least see more contracts awarded to local firms.

   There is a need to do something so your suggestions can at least be a starting point.
7. 

   Michael Cowtan

   January 11, 2012 at 9:16 pm

   There is a good article on the options at:

   http://www.wallaceburgcourierpress.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3432810

   Seems to me that keeping it at zero is not such a bad thing. The cuts are across the board, except they don’t seem to involve staff very much. I think council has to bite the bullet here, and recognise that any increase is to much for some local residents.
8. 

   Wage Freeze for Muncipality Needed

   January 13, 2012 at 5:55 pm

   It looks like the Union in Toronto is offering a Wage Freeze. I wonder why this topic never came up in our budget meeting?

   http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1115044–toronto-city-workers-offer-pay-freeze?bn=1
   • 

     Common Sense

     January 14, 2012 at 5:37 pm

     Wages would be discussed in closed session. Why do you assume a wage freeze is not being considered? I would assume the 0% tax increase would include 0% wage increase and that option is available to Council (in closed session and not made public in the media). Council has some hard decisions to make. But I think few have a problem with a 1-2% raise. I think people have a problem with CK Police getting 3-4%.

     Looking at the tenders awarded in 2011, the vast majority are local companies. These local companies do not want protectionism as they would probably lose the ability to bid in neighbouring municipalities.
     • 

       Michael Cowtan

       January 14, 2012 at 6:18 pm

       At the link below, Gerry Wolting says that closed session items relating to personnel, property and legal matters make up 1.1% of the 7.6% that staff say would be the increase without any cuts.

       I recommend that you read what he has to say.
9. 

   Michael Cowtan

   January 14, 2012 at 10:28 am

   You can now tell staff and council exactly what you think should be done at

   http://inck.ca/groups/general-discussion-topics/forum/topic/2012-ck-municipal-budget-forum-2/

   There is also a break down of expenses at

   http://tvcogeco.inck.ca/videos/c-k-council-2012/
10. 

    Michael Cowtan

    January 14, 2012 at 9:23 pm

    I have posted my conclusions at:

    http://inck.ca/groups/general-discussion-topics/forum/topic/2012-ck-municipal-budget-forum-2/
    • 

      CKCITI

      January 14, 2012 at 10:15 pm

      Michael
      Thx for taking the time for your analysis. I am sure many citizens appreciate this. In particular your point “f” seems to be shared by many on this topic.
      • 

        Michael Cowtan

        January 15, 2012 at 12:15 am

        Thank you, There is nothing to stop you commenting at the INCK forum.
        • 

          CKCITI

          January 15, 2012 at 10:24 pm

          Michael

          You have brought up some excellent points so lets see if Gerry responds to them. So far I have not seen anything.
          • 

            Michael Cowtan

            January 16, 2012 at 10:41 am

            I am not expecting a response. My understanding is that his post is seeking input from citizens which can be considered by council when making their decision, alongside input that they get at public meetings and by mail and telephone.
11. 

    Chantielle Kennedy

    January 15, 2012 at 4:26 am

    Interesting post on Tech Crunch – “A City is a Startup: The Rise of the Mayorpreneur” http://techcrunch.com/2012/01/14/a-city-is-a-startup-the-rise-of-the-mayor-entrepreneur/

    Maybe it’s time for council to shift their thinking…
    • 

      Michael Cowtan

      January 15, 2012 at 10:20 am

      Interesting article Chantielle, and thanks for posting it.

      I thought that “many cities are in a state of crisis. Budgets are a mess and job growth has been minimal for a good swath of the country. Cities in need don’t just need strong leadership, they require transformational leadership.” was apropos the C-K situation, but I also think that C-K has already made the shift in thinking.

      The C-K vision announced last year reflects this, and I am confident that the will exists to make it happen.

      At the end of last year, the arts community suggested that council form a “council of elders”. Not so much reflecting age, but influence and knowledge. Maybe we should add ideas to that mix. The point was that it should be an integral part of engaging the community.
12. 

    Michael Cowtan

    January 18, 2012 at 10:41 am

    I guess the local “noise” about the possible increase is just that……..noise, Only a dozen people showed up for the budget community meeting in Wallaceburg last night. In fact we were outnumbered by councilors and staff.

    Those of us who made the effort had the opportunity to hear the problems that council faces when deciding the priorities, and to question the assumptions that you hear on the street.

    Like:

    Our local government is out of control, with so many staff: Not true, less than 1.5% of the population, including police and firefighters.

    Staff is top heavy with managers: Not true, a 2009 report says we have less than average.

    Staff salaries are out of control: Not true, 60% of municipal governments in Ontario have higher pay scales.

    You can still voice your opinion and ask questions on the budget proposals at:

    http://inck.ca/groups/general-discussion-topics/forum/topic/2012-ck-municipal-budget-forum-2/?topic_page=2&num=15
    • 

      Wage Freeze for Muncipality Needed

      January 18, 2012 at 1:45 pm

      Michael

      Regarding your points. When a municipality compares themselves only to other municpalities for statistics then clearly they have lost touch with their constituents. They need to base their decision upon their tax bases ability to pay which means if the tax base gets more then they get more and vice-versa.

      If taxes keep going up at a rate that is more than what the private secor gets where does that leave us?
      • 

        Michael Cowtan

        January 18, 2012 at 2:06 pm

        And exactly how do you propose that the municipality deal with those staff who have no right to strike, and whose pay levels are settled by binding arbitration? How do you propose they deal with the fact that 56% of their costs are not salaries, and those costs are increasing?

        If you read my posts at INCK you will see that I have no real disagreement with you. I hope you write to council and tell them your views or go to a meeting, like the 12 of us last night.
        • 

          Wage Freeze for Muncipality Needed

          January 18, 2012 at 2:29 pm

          Michael

          Your treat it like a business and for those items you have control over you make your adjustments. For those items you feel you have nop control over you look for alternatives.
    • 

      counting

      January 21, 2012 at 1:54 am

      There was standing room only at the Blenheim public budget meeting – someone said that meant about 60 people – of course that had to include people from Highgate, Ridgetown, Erieau, etc – but still a good turnout and an excellent q & a afterwards. wonder how Chatham did?
13. 

    Michael Cowtan

    January 18, 2012 at 2:11 pm

    What is apparent to me is that nameless “bitching” on here may be good for your blood pressure, but does absolutely no good what so ever. Unless you are prepared to stand up for your convictions and use your name, it is just noise, that is not constructive.
    • 

      Nameless

      January 18, 2012 at 5:26 pm

      The difficult part with always using your name Michael (and I’m not “Wage Freeze” by the way), is many of us work in a line of work that having a controversial opinion on a matter, or even one that does not fall within what is already prescribed by our government etc, is frowned upon, sometimes even punishable. Or, for many business owners, this can create enemies who in the end would hurt their bottom line. Or perhaps even for volunteers they don’t want their personal views correlated to a non-profit organization with which they hold a prominant position.

      Some of us are in positions in our lives where using our actual names is not realistic. I appreciate that you are in a position to stand up for your thoughts with your name.

      In terms of my annonymous opinion on wage freezing. If something is losing money there should not be raises occuring. I work a public sector job, I know I’m paid well, and believe that if needed my wage should be frozen. The same thing not just should, but needs to happen in our Municipality. If we cannot sustain, draw in new industry, or increase our population threby increasing our tax base, then we should not be getting paid more. If a private business loses money, people don’t get raises, rather they embarke on layoffs and the likes. If our Municipal staff can’t generate more or at the very least keep the money they spend within our borders, then the same should occur there.

      As for the name article, it’s pointless. But “nameless” or not, people of power still read these comments, which means it’s not just noise. Noise is turning from the conversation topic to infer people are cowards, and to say their opinions are not constructive.
    • 

      Nice to be retired...

      January 19, 2012 at 2:39 pm

      It sure must be nice to be retired, you can stick your name on whatever comment you like. For the rest of us that are still in the work world we must be very careful what we assign our name to. One way or another, everyone in the private sector works for or with the municipality, speak out too loud and you will get “black listed”. No one that owns a business or that occupies a relevant position in the public sector will assign their name to anything but a positive comment… and rightfully so. So Nameless, the other 70% of us that do not have the privilege of being retired yet, totally understand where you are coming from. I personally have seen 2 business people go on rants on this site, one was an exterminator and one was a lady that does marketing, I have discontinued using both of their services since.

      And there is the added element of security, most sources highly urge individuals not to use their real names in forums and blogs for various reasons. I’m sure anyone could see why someone would not use their real name, Mr. Cowtan could as well if he would pause momentarily from giving us his opinion on absolutely every possible topic.
      • 

        Michael Cowtan

        January 19, 2012 at 8:03 pm

        LOL………so you noticed. I have an opinion on everything, it is a family tradition. In my fathers day, forty years ago, I bet you he wrote a letter to the editor of some newspaper or other every day.

        The thing about newspapers is, they don’t like publishing anonymous stuff.

        I may have to reconsider my public stance after the first firebomb, until then, or until CKXS or Rob tell me to shut up, you are stuck with me.

        Sorry if I have offended anyone, but it is not like you have to use a real name on INCK, you could just register with your first name as some people have.

        It is no different to registering for any newspaper site on the internet. You have to register with your name and email, but you can use a screen name if you wish.

        Stay happy people, it ain’t the end of the world………..yet
        • 

          Nice to be retired

          January 21, 2012 at 10:18 am

          Micheal you are flip flopping more the an American presidential candidate right now. In one post you are scolding Nameless for not using their real name, and calling their opinion “noise”. Then you encourage people to remain anonymous when posting on inck.

          Please stay happy – but also stay focused.
14. 

    ChanMac

    January 19, 2012 at 5:35 pm

    I do use my name, and I guess sometimes I might go on rants, although I try not to unless I think I have a valid point. I use my name because I have no problem standing behind what I say – I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t. That’s not to say that I don’t understand why others must comment behind pseudonyms, and I respect that choice. It’s my personal decision, nothing more nothing less. If my comments offend someone they know who I am and can contact me directly, or as Nice to Be Retired suggested, stop dealing with me completely (my apologies for offending you).

    We’re all entitled to opinions and how we share them is a personal choice.
15. 

    John

    January 23, 2012 at 2:58 am

    I have another idea to save some dollars in CK. I drive my own truck to work everyday. I think the munucipality employees should do the same and stop using my tax dollar fuel to go back and forth to work everyday. My boss doesn’t pay for my fuel or insurance. What do ya think of that?

    John
    • 

      watching

      January 23, 2012 at 3:24 pm

      and i bet your boss doesn’t feed you either – why are we paying for a banquet every time there is a council meeting? some basic sandwiches and fruit should be enough. and cut back on quantity so not so much is wasted
16. 

    John

    January 25, 2012 at 12:49 pm

    I feel the council person who decide to cut the bugget to 3% then take it to 0% from with in. Is finally thinking right and I back him 100% it’s about time someone has wroke up and smell the roses. Because there no more money to take from the people of Chatham-Kent and if we have to do with out some services so be it.
    30 years ago a lot of these services where not here so why do we have them now. All they are is a money pit also went some of the people with in high place of C-K make $100 thousand to $150 thousand after taxes went the normal person with in C-K is luckly to make $30 to $50 thousand before taxes. Well what wrong with this picture. We need to stand up and tell council remember who you are working for. This is long over due !!!!!!!!
17. 

    John

    January 25, 2012 at 4:51 pm

    Not the same John