STEWIACKE: The Town of Stewiacke is going to explore the possibility of hiring an activity coordinator on a term basis.

At its Feb. 11, committee of the whole council session, council discussed the budgetary implications with regards to hiring an activity coordinator after receiving a letter from Healthy Nova Scotia saying the option is available to them. That letter states $20,000 of the person’s wage would be paid for through government funding if their application was approved.

CAO Sheldon Dorey said there’s no guarantee the town would be accepted or move forward with the idea.

“It’s something we would take a chance on,” Dorey said. “If we intend to look at doing this we do have to address it quickly.”

He wondered if the town could fiscally be able to do such an endeavour.

“From my perspective, there’s other positions I would sooner see the money go to,” Dorey said. “Can it be done without an increase in tax rates? I’m not sure.”

Dorey said he might be able to find $3-4,000 to cover some of the town’s portion, which would also be $20,000, if they choose to go forward with hiring the activity coordinator. The position would be for one year with the possibility to renew.

“We have to decide if we need this person,” Mayor Dereck Rhoddy said.

Deputy Mayor Pierre Hanna agrees, adding he thinks it’s a great opportunity.

“I don’t think government mandate supports any other position like this one,” Hanna said.

However, some councillors remain hesitant about spending that much of their taxpayers’ money on a position they may not need.

“If we need the person it’s a wonderful opportunity, but if we don’t need the person, we’re still spending $10-20,000 in doing this,” Councillor Debbie Frizzell said.

“I want to make sure everyone wants this.”

Rhoddy tried to rationalize and get his fellow councillors to understand why an activity coordinator might be beneficial for the town and its residents.

“In two years, I think we could measure and see we got a good bang for our buck,” he added. “We could use a person and that person doesn’t have to wear just one hat, but could also be used to market the town. At the end of the day the person and the job description should meet what are needs are.”

Councillor Tracy Werenka said the idea is something council should look at, but does have some concerns.

“My concern is, and I agree with Deputy Mayor Hanna, would be to find the funding for infrastructure that they identify,” Werenka said. “If we spend that type of money, we have to make sure it’s something we’re ready for.”

While Rhoddy agreed the objective is right, he’s unsure if the time is right.

“It all comes down to money,” Rhoddy said. “We’re looking for growth in our community. If we don’t think ahead we won’t progress.”

Hanna motioned for council to write a letter of intent applying to be considered for a position and funding for that position as well. The motion passed.

The town hopes the person hired, if they decide to do that, won’t only be focused on recreation, but also able to help market the town whether it’s by helping in booking the Stewiacke Community Centre or attracting events to the town.

“If approved, we will work it into our budget,” Dorey explained.

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