Perth’s Director of Community Services Cathy McNally brought forward a report on Communities in Bloom to council’s March committee meeting.
She had received an invitation from the organization for Perth to participate in the program as they did in 2015 when the town won the national competition in the under 10,000 population category.
She noted that the BIA was supportive of the idea, had created a business plan and indicated it would be willing to contribute $3,000 towards the initiative.
McNally said, that even with that financial support, town staff would be tasked with coordinating volunteers, oversight, and administration, as well as some maintenance.
McNally thought the extra work load would impact existing service levels and project work.
McNally calculated that the work required, whether paid from BIA reserves or the Town’s coffers, would amount to just over $12,000.
Councillor Isabel McRae noted that this year the town staff was heavily involved in several festivals and events marking major milestones such as the 50th anniversary of Maple Fest. Any extra staff work would be difficult to accommodate according to her.
Council’s committee voted to decline participation and to inform the BIA of their decision.
Story by Brian Turner
