Business Group Meets With Council And Staff

The picture is still very cloudy on what role a group of Dryden business leaders will have in future City decisions.
The group demanded answers at a public meeting Wednesday night, asking to be heavily involved in an impending service and operational review as well as the 2014 budget process.
Norm Bush says action is needed now to fix Dryden’s financial problems.
He says they have a dedicated group available to help municipal staff.
Bush says the City must set performance goals, measures and benchmarks and provide quarterly public reports.
Mayor Craig Nuttall says Council will have to discuss their involvement.
Nuttall notes he would like to see them involved in the review.
Nuttall says the community is facing tough economic times and notes input is always welcome.
Nuttall pointed out at the meeting that the City is $40-million in debt, with only $160,000 left in reserves.
He adds
Dryden will also have to pay Domtar $5.4-million if it fails to convince MPAC to change its recent assessment.
Nuttall notes businesses are facing challenges but stresses the City is in the same boat.
He says the City has no money but is refusing to declare bankruptcy.
He notes making the move would likely result in the closure of the Arena, Museum and Library.
A special council meeting is planned for today where Council is expected to approve the hiring of an outside consultant to conduct the review.
Business owner Nick Beyak stressed at the meeting that the City shouldn’t be wasting money on an outside consultant.
He calls the move “a perfect example of waste”.