Further information is needed as the District of Sooke moves to take park maintenance “in house.”
In reality it is more of a move to create a public works department, but that is not the issue here.
The staff report presented by the chief administrative officer was wanting in a number of areas.
While there was a comparison to discontinuing the current practice of contracting the services out, purchasing the necessary machinery, and hiring two full-time employees, and two seasonal ones, there were serious omissions.
The report states there will be an approximate saving of $4,146 per annum to the district. However, there is no mention of a building for storage, maintenance, etc.
Having spoken to several contractors and others who are knowledgeable, the district will be looking at between $250,000 and $300,000 to build a structure that will meet requirements. There are other costs such as maintenance, insurance, a mechanic, licensing, utilities and so on. The $4,146 saving is long gone.
The CAO erred, and accepted the responsibility. Council, however, showed little interest in having a rewrite, voted to take the maintenance in house, and never questioned the increase in cost. The one exception was Coun. Brenda Parkinson who was opposed. Just one more example of irresponsibility on behalf of Sooke council.
Gail Hall
Sooke