Dear editor:
I find it ridiculous that with the town’s budget being reduced again, the soft services are the first to be diminished (“Council sets sights on service cuts,” Jan. 22).
The library, for example, accounts for approximately two percent of the town’s budget, yet is a constant target of budget reduction.
It also is the only place residents can go to have access to a computer, printer, fax machine, and other necessities.
Years of effort went into fundraising to build a new facility—and now it should be closed more often?
One councillor points out that “the library had gone over budget . . . yet is projecting less income.” When did our councillors begin viewing the library as a for-profit business instead of an essential public service?
One councillor seemed concerned about the number of people at the museum. Have we all forgotten that the purpose of a museum is to preserve the history of the community; not to shove as many people as we can through the doors.
I also find it ridiculous that another councillor’s concerns were focused on the amount of lifeguards at the pool. This councillor went to the pool one day and saw that the amount of lifeguards and instructors equalled the amount of swimmers.
How can you focus on one hour of operations at the pool and use that as a reason to cut the budget for an entire year? It makes no sense.
I realize that in this tough time that everyone must make cuts somehow. But compared to others, the “soft services” are asked to reduce far too much.
There are better ways to save money.
Why don’t you sell Sunny Cove? Why does taxpayers’ money go to maintaining a property outside the town limits?
Signed,
Cameron Penney
Fort Frances, Ont.
Featured
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
