DSSAB reports large surplus

The Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board reported a healthy surplus for the year ending Dec. 31, 2003 at its monthly meeting here last Thursday.
The board had a surplus of $2.7 million, according to its audited statements, presented by Jon Evans of BDO Dunwoody.
While the surplus is fairly large, Evans explained it is necessary for the board to maintain operations.
“One thing the DSSAB does not have is much of a working capital allocation,” he noted. “You need a certain amount of surplus available in order to maintain business.”
More than $1 million of that surplus is restricted in reserve funds, used to purchase ambulances and ambulance equipment, as well as housing equipment, he added.
Last year, the DSSAB purchased an ambulance out of those funds.
Evans recommended the board determine how much money it needs to operate and allocate the rest to reserve to reduce the apparent surplus.
Atikokan Mayor Dennis Brown, who sits on the DSSAB, asked if the surplus was well invested.
Evans noted DSSAB’s money is kept in what is called a “MUSH” account, for municipalities, universities, schools, and hospitals. “They are better than GICs and you don’t have to lock your money in,” he explained.
Also at last Thursday’s meeting, the DSSAB discussed its membership in the Northern Ontario Service Deliverers Association (NOSDA), which is made up of all Area Service Boards (ASBs), Consolidated Municipal Services Managers (CMSMs), and District Social Services Administration Boards (DSSABs) in Northern Ontario.
Its goals are to create effective and efficient delivery systems throughout the north as well as reduce costs through information sharing and joint action.
NOSDA is requesting each member contribute $5,000 per year to the association, but some board members were hesitant to join.
“I will vote against this on general principal,” said Michael Lewis, who represents Rainy River District East on the board. “It’s another organization that I see an unnecessary.”
Lewis added the DSSAB already is represented by the Northern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA).
Emo Reeve Russ Fortier agreed with Lewis, as did other board members.
John Callan, representing Rainy River District Central, suggested the board hold off on voting on the issue until after the next NOSDA meeting in September, which two board members will be attending.
“Let’s wait for a recommendation from them,” he reasoned.
The motion was tabled to the October meeting.
Also at last Thursday’s meeting, board members viewed a presentation of the DSSAB’s Web site, which currently is under construction but expected to be launched in the near future.