Council agreed to support Parkland Community Planning Services, an inter-municipal services agency looking for a new director.
“The director has stepped away. Do you want to continue?” asked CAO Rick Binnendyk to council Nov. 14.
The agency, established in 1995, has 17 member municipalities including Sylvan Lake, Innisfail, Olds and Rocky Mountain House.
“It doesn’t say the key players will continue,” said Coun. Danielle Klooster, concerned about an increase in cost if one of the towns backs out.
In an RFD presented to council, estimates for each town include $95,000 from Sylvan Lake, $65,000 from Innisfail, $60,000 from both Olds and Rocky Mountain House with Penhold and remaining communities paying $20,000 each.
“…You’re right, if one steps back it will impact us,” said Binnendyk, who said currently Innisfail has agreed to remain with PCPS.
Coun. Chad Hoffman wanted to know if the town still had a need for the services and whether anyone had looked into costs associated with hiring a private contractor. Binnendyk said work still needs to be done and the variance in cost would be about 30 to 35 per cent higher going private.
Council agreed to support PCPS in principle but agreed to reconsider its participation if other towns back out.
