A proposed cost-savings measure that could see municipal service buildings close in several communities is back on the agenda of Monday's Chatham-Kent council meeting.
Municipal officials are considering closing a number of smaller, under-utilized service centres in communities such as Dresden, Ridgetown, Thamesville, and Bothwell, in an effort to become more efficient and save money.
According to the report, more people are using services online and by closing some buildings and offices, it would save taxpayers up to $173,000 a year.
Council received over 100 deputations, with the majority being from Dresden, in response to the proposal during the June 20 meeting. Many highlighted the negative impact it would have on their communities and seniors.
Despite council not accepting any new deputations for the issue on Monday, a group of residents in Dresden are still making a final plea to keep the town's service building.
An open letter from the Dresden Community Development Association asks council whether potential savings justifies the "inconvenience" to residents.
“We understand that there are financial pressures on all levels of government and we appreciate council’s attempt to be good stewards of the taxpayer’s money,” the letter read. “But along with that stewardship comes a responsibly to provide services equitably across this large municipality.”
The group says services are a vital connection between distinct communities that make up Chatham-Kent. They say closing the service centre will create an ‘us vs them’ mentality that smaller communities have struggled with since the amalgamation.
The group is asking council to reject the motion to slash in-person services in Dresden as well as the potential sale of the Town Hall.