News Release Archive
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS--CUMBERLAND MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT STUDY ----------------------------------------------------------------- A municipal government study concludes that the time is right for municipalities to start the process for municipal change in Cumberland County. While the study indicates that there are no compelling reasons to immediately move forward with amalgamation, it also says the status quo is not an option. The report outlines specific action that the councils can act on at this time. The study, conducted by the UMA Group in association with Doane Raymond, was commissioned by the provincial government at the request of the five municipal councils in Cumberland County. The consultants presented their report to Municipal Affairs Minister Sandy Jolly and the five councils at a meeting in Amherst today. "The councils' job now is to make decisions and implement the recommendations on a priority basis," said the minister. "I have every confidence that with this report the joint councils will move to bring municipal government in Cumberland County into the 21st century." The objective of the study was to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of a regional municipality structure for Cumberland County and, to identify other structural options for enhancing local government service delivery. The consultants held extensive public consultation and undertook a financial analysis of the five municipalities as well as an evaluation of service levels and methods of service delivery. The report says that continued low growth levels and changing economic times will put increasing financial pressures on the municipal units. The report outlines priorities and options in areas such as economic development, general administration, fire protection, waste collection and disposal, and regional planning. "I encourage the joint councils to carefully examine the report and its recommendations and then develop a plan of action to address the challenges ahead," the minister said. The municipal units included in the study were the Municipality of the County of Cumberland the towns of Amherst, Parrsboro, Springhill and Oxford. Copies of the report will be made available in libraries in Cumberland County. -30- Contact: Michelle Whelan 902-424-6336 NOTE TO EDITORS: FOR A COPY OF THE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY CONTACT COMMUNICATION SERVICES AT 902-424-4492. jlw Mar. 01, 1996 4:30 p.m.