Handi-Bus negotiations continue

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Negotiations are moving forward between the Strathmore Handi-bus Association and the Town of Strathmore over a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) between the two organizations.

The Handi-bus Association brought forward an amended document to Town Council during the March 2 regular council meeting, which was then referred to administration.

The amended MOU brought forward by the Handi-bus Association had made changes to the agreement regarding the bus barn building and simplified the language used describing the agreement. 

According to the Handi-bus delegation, the organization didn’t think it was particularly relevant to the relationship between the Handi-bus and the Town.

“I’m assuming if the bus barn value is going to cost us money to move it, I’m assuming the cost will be borne by the Town, because I can’t imagine that it’s worth anything,” said Councilor Denise Peterson.

“I just want to make sure that the Handi-bus isn’t liable if it costs us money to get rid of it.”

The Handi-bus delegation confirmed that during a prior discussion with council and administration, the Town’s previous CAO indicated there was not a significant amount of value in the structure in question.

The revisions also more explicitly delineate the understanding and responsibilities of the Handi-bus to the Town of Strathmore in paragraph “D” where expectations of the Town are outlined.

Those expectations of the Town being to help cover the association’s operating losses up to $175,000 annually. If the Handi-bus does not use all the funding received from the Town, any leftover capital would then be returned. 

“We’re hoping to foster more goodwill between the Handi-bus and the Town of Strathmore. I think we can see from events around the world what happens when there is insufficient amount of goodwill in play,” said Brian Grier, chair of the Handi-bus Association finance committee.

Grier added regarding the potential of a rebate to the Town, the idea being that should the MOU pass, to review the Association’s audited financial statements with the Town and agree on a number.

The Handi-bus delegation did specify that they would not be able to reliably continue operations without being backed by the Town, though does not expect to require municipal resources to cover the costs of any additional busses.

Administration was directed to return to Town Council on March 16 to further discuss the MOU.