Municipal Reform Case Study
Assignment 1
Exercise 1: Critique
"Does Municipal Amalgamation Strengthen the Financial Viability of Local Governance? - A Canadian Example" and the textbook lesson "Municipal Reform and Restructuring" provides sufficient details for examination.
In 1995, Bill 126 proposed amalgamation as a method to relieve municipalities of pre-existing burdens yet the final result did not appear to achieve the declared objectives. It was a forward thinking, ratepayer benefit, valued employee progressive campaign. The previous versions known as regional/county reform, ad hoc boundary adjustments and/or restructuring had limited success and preceding woes remained. In previous reform style strategies, financial incentives were offered while this time …show more content…
The Building Services Department provides Building and By-Law services to nine of our eleven member municipalities in an attempt to share the provincial requirement to appoint a Chief Building Official and the necessary inspectors to administer/enforce the Ontario Building Code. The budget is a 75% cost recovery and 25% levy apportionment.
The Sarnia-Lambton Act (Bill 35) was given Royal Assent on July 13, 1989, respecting the amalgamation of Sarnia/Clearwater and joining Lambton County. A Joint Implementation Committee was formed to address transitional costs associated with staff transfers and service delivery. A final report was submitted to the Minister of Municipal Affairs for approval in May 1990. These same principles remain intact today and result in a federation of municipalities where there are pros and cons for each depending on their particular service and/or approach required which results in overall …show more content…
Longo "Term Limits for Municipal Council Members, Part One: Length of Council Terms" provided adequate background information for thought yet I would have also enjoyed to read the next two parts to a full representation.
It was fundamental to lengthen the term of municipal elects. Elections cost money. While longer terms equal cost savings, a rogue or inadequate Council could be problematic. The inclusion of Board of Education trustees to the municipal election ballot was also advanced move. It is impossible to yield an adequate amount of work with a one, two or even a three year term and in some cases a four year term is not sufficient depending on the complexity of the matters at hand.
A staggered four year term system would be most beneficial. It allows the Corporation to retain experience and continuity year-over-year which is valuable. Many Boards and Commissions operate in this
Exercise 1: Critique
"Does Municipal Amalgamation Strengthen the Financial Viability of Local Governance? - A Canadian Example" and the textbook lesson "Municipal Reform and Restructuring" provides sufficient details for examination.
In 1995, Bill 126 proposed amalgamation as a method to relieve municipalities of pre-existing burdens yet the final result did not appear to achieve the declared objectives. It was a forward thinking, ratepayer benefit, valued employee progressive campaign. The previous versions known as regional/county reform, ad hoc boundary adjustments and/or restructuring had limited success and preceding woes remained. In previous reform style strategies, financial incentives were offered while this time …show more content…
The Building Services Department provides Building and By-Law services to nine of our eleven member municipalities in an attempt to share the provincial requirement to appoint a Chief Building Official and the necessary inspectors to administer/enforce the Ontario Building Code. The budget is a 75% cost recovery and 25% levy apportionment.
The Sarnia-Lambton Act (Bill 35) was given Royal Assent on July 13, 1989, respecting the amalgamation of Sarnia/Clearwater and joining Lambton County. A Joint Implementation Committee was formed to address transitional costs associated with staff transfers and service delivery. A final report was submitted to the Minister of Municipal Affairs for approval in May 1990. These same principles remain intact today and result in a federation of municipalities where there are pros and cons for each depending on their particular service and/or approach required which results in overall …show more content…
Longo "Term Limits for Municipal Council Members, Part One: Length of Council Terms" provided adequate background information for thought yet I would have also enjoyed to read the next two parts to a full representation.
It was fundamental to lengthen the term of municipal elects. Elections cost money. While longer terms equal cost savings, a rogue or inadequate Council could be problematic. The inclusion of Board of Education trustees to the municipal election ballot was also advanced move. It is impossible to yield an adequate amount of work with a one, two or even a three year term and in some cases a four year term is not sufficient depending on the complexity of the matters at hand.
A staggered four year term system would be most beneficial. It allows the Corporation to retain experience and continuity year-over-year which is valuable. Many Boards and Commissions operate in this