Trevor Miller
Any budget the city comes up with has to balance present needs against future planning, just as a matter of responsible government.
Repairing existing infrastructure only gets us so far, and there are instances where replacing certain things can be a more cost-effective solution in the long run. Every so often, roads need to be resurfaced and buildings need to be replaced.
If something like buying the Northern Bus Lines building or replacing a large section of water line carries a big upfront cost but saves money in a reasonable amount of time, then that’s the right move, as much as it might pinch other spending in the short term.
Trevor Miller is a local writer and essayist.
Doreen Murray
Every community requires a solid infrastructure, capable of supplying basic needs such as sewer, water, roads, etc.
Do I think long-range infrastructure planning is important? Absolutely. The financial upheavals our city is now experiencing may well have been prevented had such a plan been put in place years ago.
Present council recognizes this fact and are working hard to bring Flin Flon to standard. They will continue to face financial challenges for some years yet and for that reason, an expenditure of $1.25 million for a new town garage may not be prudent at this time.
Doreen Murray is a semi-retired businesswoman.
Ken Mansell
A long-range plan for Flin Flon has always been a gamble because that is the nature of a mining town. Whatever breaks down gets the attention.
The dwindling tax base and the reluctance of cabin owners to take on more financial responsibility will make long-range planning almost like using a crystal ball.
The $1.25 million plus renovations for a new city works garage may be more than we can afford. In fact it is more than we can afford; however, that wouldn’t be the first time that didn’t stop us from spending.
The bus garage is in Saskatchewan. Would Manitoba provincial funding cover any spending incurred in a different province?
Ken Mansell is a retired Flin Flonner.
