It’s an issue that has become all-too common for Estevan city council.
Members will receive a request for funding or sponsorship from a local organization or event. That organization will go on to explain why it should receive support. Council members will discuss the issue, and then decide whether to contribute taxpayer dollars.
The most recent meeting of city council was certainly a perfect example of this situation. Council approved donations for the Estevan Chamber of Commerce’s Estevan Business Excellence Awards, and for the Estevan Exhibition Association’s CCA rodeo.
But the discussion that received the most attention was whether the city should help the Estevan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion with its efforts to regain a solid financial footing.
Now, let us be clear when it comes to our thoughts on the legion. It’s a wonderful organization that does so much for our community. If local individuals and businesses are looking to make a donation, the legion would certainly be a worthy cause, and it would be a shame if they were forced to close due to the financial problems it is facing.
It’s not an old boys’ club where members sit around and chat in the club room.
The legion has made mistakes, but they’re determined to atone for those errors, and pay off their debts.
But should the city be providing funding to the legion, the ABEX awards, the rodeo and anyone else?
A few years ago, when the city’s debt was at frightening levels, council took several tough measures. Non-profit organizations would no longer have their commercial buildings assessed as residential properties. Council also decided the city wouldn’t offer sponsorships or scholarships.
These were necessary steps when facing tough financial issues.
Now that the long-term debt is significantly lower, the city has started to hand out scholarships and donations again.
But in a year in which council was forced to ratchet up property taxes by eight per cent, thanks in large part to situations beyond its control, it might have been prudent to withhold these donations again.
It doesn’t help the legion’s case that their request came in late in the summer.
This is a tough call for council. Is it the city’s place to use taxpayer dollars to support the different organizations and events in the community? If they don’t, then it looks heartless.
Should the city have pledged more than $1 million to the new nursing home committee? Is that an exceptional situation given the widespread impact of the project?
It’s not just as easy as saying “Well, it will depend on the financial picture of the city.” These organizations have needs, regardless of whether the city is in good financial shape.
There is no safe option for city council, for the reasons outlined above. No matter what they do, they will be criticized. The safest bet is to say they won’t provide sponsorships, but you can imagine how popular that decision would be with the community as a whole.
And if council does offer some form of support for the legion, there could be a long lineup of others looking for assistance.
For council, it can be a no-win situation.
