During budget discussions, I asked that the training and development budget line item of $220,000 be reduced by $70,000 to $150,000. By reducing this budget line item by $70,000 this would represent a direct savings to the tax rate and ultimately to the pocket books of the taxpayers of Aurora.
Contrary to the opinion of one member of council, our Town staff are well-trained. And as I said at the Council table, Town staff are an incredible asset to the municipality and important resource but, that being said, I think we can all agree, that the most important consideration is always our residents.
4 Responses
Hi there
With all due respect, I think it is a very poor decision on your part to be behind the cutting of staff training. If your consideration is the residents, I don’t know why you wouldn’t want them to have services provided by the most competent, well trained staff available. To live in Aurora means you have to pay to live in Aurora. Training staff is a far better monetary investment than some of the studies being done and parks being built that council has approved.
Dear Mr Bryant,
Aurora Staff are very well trained and equipped. The budget was not cut, last years budget was 96,000. Staff were asking to increase that to 220,000. Mandatory training makes up just 56,000 of that. Also the proper policy was not put in place, that sets the standards for clawback clause and knowledge transfer, which was directed by Council last year.
So in reality even thou the line item was reduced by 70,000, training and development was increased by 50,000 (which works to a 50% increase)
In an effort to be 100% transparent, I am a TOA employee and property owner/residnt.
When you have time, why don’t you give me a call and we can discuss further… 4165431624