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County denies funding contribution to Thrive

The County of Barrhead councillors denied a $15,000 funding request for the Barrhead and District Family Community Support Services operated Thrive program at its May 1 meeting, citing a lack of quantifiable ‘measureables’ or statistics with respect

The County of Barrhead councillors denied a $15,000 funding request for the Barrhead and District Family Community Support Services operated Thrive program at its May 1 meeting, citing a lack of quantifiable ‘measureables’ or statistics with respect to how much of an impact the program has in the community.

Earlier in the year, the Town of Barrhead and the Barrhead Rotary Club each contributed $15,000 after FCSS director Shelley Dewsnap warned that without financial assistance, the program would end.

In addition, the Barrhead Elks Club donated $15,000 to FCSS in April and Coun. Bill Lane noted that while it was not specifically intended for the program, he believed that is where the money would go.

County manager Debbie Oyarzun said the Rotary Club of Barrhead had originally requested the county to enter into a three-way partnership with the town and the club to support the Thrive program.

“It was with the understanding that the funding for the program was set to end in March of 2018,” she said, noting that at the time of the request, council asked for additional information and the opportunity to deliberate further.

However, Coun. Darrell Troock said he had concerns with respect to measurables.

“We had a women’s shelter that we funded that didn’t go anywhere and there’s other things we’ve done to the same effect. I don’t know. How do you measure our value of dollars we put into this?

“When we are looking after the public coffers, I need measureables and this group doesn’t give us any statistics that tell us its impact, how it’s working, nothing to help with the decision. Just requests for money,” he said, noting his comments would probably draw criticism from the community but added that not being able to measure successes was an issue for himself.

“There’s church groups, support groups, alcoholics anonymous, et cetera. How many sponsored groups do we help to help bandage wounds? My only hesitation is there is no measurables and there’s not enough money to fix all the problems but that is my personal opinion.”

Troock said he appreciates the effort and work the Rotary Club does in the community.

“But we can’t govern on what these service clubs bring to our table. The club does a fabulous job everywhere but we can’t govern service groups’ demands. I’m sorry,” Troock added.

Oyarzun said administration brought the issue of whether the county would consider contributing forward on March 16, when it was discussed at the committee of the whole meeting and again on March 9 – 10 when council was deliberating on its 2018 budget.

“We have budgeted for the $50,000 the county contributes to FCSS on an annual basis, an amount matched by the town, which is required for the organization to receive provincial funding allocations but our 2018 budget does not include a specific allocation for the Thrive program itself,” she said, noting council was made aware that the town had approved a $15,000 contribution to Thrive for 2018-19 on March 27 and that the Rotary Club’s donation was contingent on all parties contributing.

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