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Adjala-Tos public works in disarray: consultant

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In Adjala-Tosorontio
Jan 21st, 2016
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Mayor Mary Small-Brett

New Tecumseth Free Press

A commissioned review of Adjala-Tosorontio’s organizational structure, performed by BDO, concludes the Township’s public works is in “turmoil.”

The 42-page ‘Current State Analysis and Recommendations’ was to be presented to councillors at a special meeting this morning. The review compared the Township with 10 similar sized municipalities including The Blue Mountains, Meaford, and Tiny Township. Additionally, 11 members of staff, five councillors, the mayor and deputy mayor, were interviewed.

“The Public Works department was the area most discussed in the interviews thus it was determined to be the area that most critically needs immediate attention,” according to the study, which noted that public works was identified as the most important department in a small municipality.

Adjala-Tosorontio has 610 kms of road, a population of 10,603, and a public works staff of 14.

“All persons interviewed noted issues with Public Works ranging from inappropriate conduct, poor leadership, poor service levels, poor relations internally and externally and/or poor internal morale,” according to the first observation. The recommendations include: improved Public Works direction; new leadership; and creation of a new Director level role that “would ease the burden on staff and bring leadership to the group.”

The Public Works foreman’s time is allocated to water, so it’s recommended the foreman’s title and role transition to Utilities Technician; and creation of a “Roads” team to delineate between the water and roads responsibilities.

The Township should fill its leadership role in Public Works “by at least a Certified Engineering Technologist and preferably a Professional Engineer.”

Other departments in the spotlight included Building and Bylaw. The recommendation is to add an inspector position; and “strongly” consider adding seasonal staff for help with park maintenance, road works, and public works as need.

Its other departments – planning, parks and recreation, etc – were operating within the same range as the 10 peer communities, and no significant recommendations were offered outside of renaming some positions.

“Salaries at the Township are all within the range of the peer group; many salaries are on the lower end of the ranges. Therefore the salaries at the municipality appear to be reasonable in general.”

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