Town discusses service and service levels policy

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Town of Strathmore discussed a proposed service and service level policy, No. 1218, during the March 13 Committee of the Whole meeting. 

“The town’s corporate business plan currently includes an item to develop a service and service level inventory, an 80 per cent beta version. This proposed policy provides a framework for the establishment of the service level inventory, while also outlining the review of the inventory by council on an annual basis as part of the budget process,” said Kara Rusk, director of strategic, administrative, and financial services. “This policy also provides a process for council to consider regarding any reviews of programs or services that they may wish to see going forward.”

Through the policy, she explained if council passes a resolution regarding a review of a particular program or service, administration would prepare a report and return to council outlining any resources that may be required to undertake the same, and ultimately report back to council with the outcomes.

Rusk added administration is currently working on the service level inventory, which aims to be brought before council in advance of the 2025 budget. 

According to information provided via the town’s public meeting agenda, the Service and Service Level Policy is purposed to establish a framework for review and evaluation, allowing the Town to adjust and adapt its programs and services as new challenges and needs arise. 

The goal being to positively impact local social sustainability by promoting community engagement, equitable service delivery, improve quality of life, social cohesion, health and safety, resilience to social challenges, and leverage social capital. 

A Service and Service Levels Inventory, through the proposed policy would be reviewed by council on an annual basis. 

The inventory is used as a basis for the development of the proposed budget, in order to maintain services and service levels approved by council, as well as to identify program and service reviews. 

It serves to outline the current state of, and aid administration to evaluate, and improve services and service levels for local town-operated programs and facilities. 

Council made no request for alterations to be made to the proposed policy presented to them during the Committee of the Whole meeting, and it was accepted as information. Further discussion will take place during a future regular council meeting. 

More information regarding the policy is available via the Committee of the Whole meeting agenda, publicly available through the town’s website.