Guelph-Eramosa either needs more money from the Rockwood Nursery School or it needs another tenant at the old town hall to help cover costs.
That was the message councillors gave to officials from the nursery school during a recent meeting about finances.
Councillor Cory Woods said the township is losing about $15,000 every year under the current lease agreement with the school and it has been some time since the municipality increased the rent at the building.
Woods said it will be hard to justify a tax increase this year when the township is losing money on the building.
Mayor Chris White said, “Either we do it for everybody and subsidize day care, or we don’t.” He suggested that is not likely.
Spokesman Stephanie Cressman said the nursery school is “actively working” on the problem and hopes the school and municipality can “meet in the middle.”
Councillor Doug Breen said there are other possibilities for tenants that could be complimentary to the nursery school, including tutors and music lessons, or churches and other groups.
White agreed, saying the township appreciates the services offered by the nursery school, but council also has to be fiscally responsible.
“We have a financial crisis and you have a crisis trying to run your business,” White said. “Let’s just crunch some numbers.”
Both sides agreed to discuss the matter further and try to come to an agreeable solution.
