Amalgamation Questions

amalgamation doesn’t always save money. Some studies show costs actually increase due to: Higher wages (standardizing to the highest level) Expanded services Larger bureaucracy How can the committee guarantee that tax payers won't see an increase in taxes?

The largest population centre often ends up with the most influence. Investment may gravitate toward growth areas instead of smaller communities. How can you reassure, if amalgamation happens, that all units are treated and represented fairly?

To eliminate duplication, some administrative will may be cut. How will you decide who keeps their employment and who gets fired?

Merging systems, staff, contracts, and infrastructure is expensive and messy upfront. IT systems, union agreements(if applicable) pay scales—all need to be aligned. It can take years before any savings actually show up (if they do). Does the committee know, how many years it could take, to actually see a savings ? (If any at all)

Policies that work in a town don’t always fit rural or coastal communities. Standardized bylaws can ignore local realities (agriculture, fishing, distance, etc.). How can we be assured that if amalgamation happens, that towns and municipalities will be fairly treated and represented?

At what specific dollar amount of projected tax increase would you, as a committee, vote 'No' on amalgamation?

Many of us living outside the town limits already see limited services, despite paying taxes. As a municipality, we at least currently have a voice through our councillors. If amalgamation goes ahead, how will rural residents be protected from being overlooked and ignored especially if towns priorities take precedence and taxes rise?

Under amalgamation would there be an open competition for the CAO position and not just a selection of the CAO from the existing 3 CAOs?

If amalgamation were to move forward, what are the mandates/targets to ensure duplication and redundancies are removed and/or eliminated?

If amalgamation were to happen, how would representation look? How many elected officials? Mayor or Warden?

Under what conditions would amalgamation NOT proceed?

Depending if you live in the towns or municipality will the property taxes go up?

What is broken within our towns and municipality, that amalgamation will fix?

Is there a similar municipality to ours where amalgamation has been shown to work?