A request by the Severn Sound Environmental Association for Tay Township to continue as treasurer and payroll/human resources services of the organization was well-received by the township, as noted in a recent committee of the whole meeting.
In recent years, Tay had taken the SSEA joint municipal service board to task for its funding model, as detailed in the MidlandToday article ‘SSEA funding formula, budget making things 'difficult' for Tay council’ dated May 31.
One component of the problematic issues arose in February when Tay announced they would be leaving the treasurer and human resources services effective June; Tay granted an extension to the end of 2024.
According to the correspondence within the Tay meeting agenda, Springwater Township responded in November to take on the role, but talks were also in the works in early December for Tay to reconsider continuing the service.
Said Tay Deputy Mayor Barry Norris: “The board did meet to contemplate an MOU (memorandum of understanding) with Springwater (where) those costs were presented.
“We were looking at a significant increase with the MOU with Springwater; it was almost a 50 per cent increase with the number of unknown costs that could be associated… with the MOU that Springwater actually wanted to include.”
Mayor Ted Walker noted that discussions with staff were that they “felt comfortable” with the costs, as “it’s a service that we can provide; also it represents a significant cost reduction to the SSEA budget.”
“We’ve been preaching to SSEA for a number of years,” said Walker, “that they really needed to look at their financing and cut down their expenses, and this certainly is an indication that they’re doing that. From the projected cost increase that I am anticipating they’re going to ask for, it falls in line or below what municipalities will be reaching with their own budgets.”
From the SSEA, Tay’s updated five-year MOU aimed to increase annual compensation to the township for 2025, and add a one-time compensation fee for 2024 administration. An additional apology was included from “for any miscommunication” with a wish to “move forward in a positive manner” through further compensation of the “valuable” services.
The committee of the whole approved the decision, with staff directed to bring a final MOU to a future meeting later in the evening at the regular meeting of council.
The SSEA letter for reconsideration can be found in the agenda page on the Tay Township website.
Tay council meets for committee of the whole meetings every second Wednesday of the month, and regular council meetings every fourth Wednesday of the month. Archives and livestreams of council meetings are available through the Tay Township YouTube channel.
