Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "It's
about Accountability":
I think that you have just proved that the
Town needs the new software.
You stated in previous posts that the Town
staff uses Excel spreadsheets for the same purpose that the new system will do.
If you do not have an asset inventory with the old system, perhaps it is ready
to be changed.
Just to add my 2 cents 4:17. This is not a "new" council.
It is the "current" council. However, we are far enough into this term that the
excuse of being newbies is way past.
*******************************
The last point in this comment will be decided by the electorate in the judgement they exercise in the next election.
People who pay attention to town affairs identify with new Councillors. They don't expect expertise. They allow time to learn.
Signs of growth are noted and appreciated.
There has been growth in this Council. There is most certainly good intention and civility towards one another.
My job has been the uphill climb.
If I'm the only one putting forward a particular perspective and the administration another, I understand why it might be difficult for Councillors to make a choice between the politician with background and experience and an administration with no institutional history whatsoever.
It shouldn't have to be like that. But that's what we inherited.
Having to challenge a staff report with carefully chosen language
is not easy. It takes the difference between $33,000 and $300,000 to replace a lighting system, to drive a point home.
It would be different if I occupied the Mayor's chair ..
It' s the function of the Mayor to provide leadership and guidance to Council. It's even spelled out in the Municipal Act.
If the Mayor chooses to lean on the administration for expertise, not rely on personal judgement or put weight on background and experience, that makes my job tougher.
The point you make about the software is an example.
Provincial edict required municipalities to create and maintain an inventory of assets. Accountants apparently noticed a conspicuous absence of assets in municipal book-keeping
It took five years for staff to complete the inventory on excel spread sheets. Software for the inventory to be transferred to computer would have cost $56,000.
That's not what we bought.
We approved $440,000 for a software program the Region had approved several years ago and are still struggling to make efficient. .
ITS were not consulted for compatability.
We are still spending money an the system is not up and running.
Much like experience at the region.
The original inventory, ready to be transferred was not. Staff are still working from Excel spread sheets.
.
Monday, 4 March 2013
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1 comment:
Long ago & far away, we were often trapped into taking a senior-to us - couple out for dinner. Being on a tight budget, we quickly noticed that they ordered the most expensive, most complicated items on every menu. It all took time, cost the world and required constant staff effort.
Once, eyeing yet another blow to my hopeful grocery list for the next few weeks, I asked the gal what she had thought about the meal. Did she enjoy the special food and drink ?
Her reply stunned me.
" Oh, I don't care what I eat"
She was simply going through the paces without any thought.
Much the way certain councillors support staff proposal, plans and edicts.
Just because something is written down does not make it more acceptable or even sensible.
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