ERIN – A proposed reduction in winter road maintenance service did not go over well with town councillors.
On May 7 Erin council received a roads operational review from Rory Baksh of Dillon Consulting, outlining strengths and opportunities for greater efficiency in the roads department.
Baksh said Erin currently clears snow from town roads within 6 to 8 hours and often sooner, which is much faster than the 12 to 24 hours (depending on accumulation and road class) set in provincial regulations.
“Rapid service delivery comes with a cost,” he said, estimating winter overtime at $26,500 and the value of banked time off used as summer vacation at $30,000, for a total of $56,500.
“People don’t realize how good a service they’re getting,” he said.
With the roads staff taking more time off in the warmer months, the town ends up contracting out various tasks, such as ditching and tree trimming. Fewer overtime hours for staff in the winter would mean more hours available in the summer.
The town spends about $174,000 annually for seasonal winter control operators.
“I would have difficulty with reducing winter service,” said councillor John Brennan. “This is a commuting town.”
Other councillors agreed, saying commuters and school boards have come to expect a high level of snow plowing service in Erin.
Mayor Allan Alls noted the existing service on town roads is not as good as that provided by Wellington County, which is expected to meet a higher standard for its arterial roads.
Research carried out by Dillon Consulting compared Erin with towns like Puslinch and Bracebridge, which aim to meet the provincial minimum for snow clearing, said Baksh.
He said Erin delivers its road service at an average cost compared to similar municipalities.
“The town has a focus on customer service, with a staff that cares about improving the community they live in,” Baksh said.
Other recommendations include a new system of “key performance indicators” to ensure greater accountability and provide better data for budgeting,
Baksh said an asset management strategy to replace major pieces of equipment based on their life cycle would reduce down time and maintenance costs.
He added operational costs could be reduced with a greater priority on paving rural roads.
“Erin has a ‘Band-Aid’ approach to gravel roads,” he said, noting regrading can be needed multiple times per year.
He recommended a feasibility study, saying more paved roads could free up staff for other tasks.
