City council may soon have more influence over social services provided on its behalf. A proposal to overhaul the County of Wellington’s social services committee would see equal representation by both government bodies.
The city and county “share areas of mutual interest and regional significance,” notes a staff report heading to city council for consideration of the proposal on Feb. 27.
“The county and city commit to a collaborative relationship to strategically influence and respond to matters of mutual interest,” it continues. “The importance of coordinated efforts made by the city and county to ensure that we are aligned in supporting community needs is imperative to our collective success.”
As it stands, the committee is made up of five county representatives, including the warden, along with Guelph’s mayor. In order to become official, any decisions made by the committee must be ratified by county council, which includes no representation from city council.
If the proposal is approved, the committee would grow to eight members, with county council and city council holding four seats apiece.
The recommendation heading to city council calls for Guelph’s seats to be filled by the mayor as well as council’s vice-chair of governance, the chair of public services and the chair of infrastructure, development and environment.
Currently, those roles are filled by Cam Guthrie, Coun. Linda Busuttil, Coun. Cathy Downer and Coun. Dominique O’Rourke respectively.
In addition, the motion would see each council select one of its committee representatives to serve as chair or vice-chair for a two-year term. That person would be responsible for reporting back to city council on committee happenings.
Prepared jointly by city and county staff, the overhaul plan was crafted in response to an October motion from Guelph council that called for a review of the committee’s governance model.
The proposal is slated to be considered by county council on Feb. 29 but will be discussed Feb. 20 by the county’s administration, finance and human resources committee.
Both council’s must approve the new structure in order for it to become a reality.
