Marianne Cole,

President Clearwater County Taxpayers’ Association 

RR #1 Rocky Mtn. House, AB T4T 2A1 June 7, 2020.

 

Clearwater County Council

Box 550 Rocky Mtn. House,

AB T4T 1A4 

 

 

Dear Councillors:

I am writing this letter on behalf of the Clearwater County Taxpayers’ Association, as well as other county residents, with continuing distinct concerns related to plans for, and cost of, the proposed Leslieville Public Service Building. 

 

 

First of all, we were certainly pleased to note in the Agenda Package that information was provided for both a 5 bay and a 3 bay facility. We trust that perhaps this is indicative that there may be consideration of a smaller building. There are, however, still some definite concerns.

 

 

1. At the top of page 3 of this agenda item (or page 18 of the agenda package) it refers to Ledcor’s figures and states, “Their proposal consists of a 16,000 sq. ft. pre-engineered steel building…” In addition, on page 1 of the agenda item report, county staff have written, “The scope of the building consists of 3 apparatus bays and 2 optional storage bays (10,000 square feet). The two story administrative area includes… 6,000 square feet.” Together this matches the 16,000 total building space on page 3.

 

In the chart provided, the revised estimate suggests that the building cost would be $2,900,000. For 16,000 square feet that would calculate to $181.25 per square foot. 

 

 2. Further down in the chart where it states, “Delete 2 bays” there is a deduction total of $351,750. There is a question about that amount.

5 bays of storage in 10,000 square feet would suggest an average of 2,000 sq. ft. per bay. At a cost of $181.25 per sq. ft., deleting 2 bays, or 4,000 sq. ft., would calculate a saving of $725,000 not $351, 750. One might wonder how that smaller total was calculated. 

 

3. Nowhere has there EVER been any suggestion of, or calculation provided, for reducing the staff/administration space. I draw your attention to the attached charts from a British Columbia government site and which I used to provide the information in our Beacon. Reviewing the starred figures, and then adding on space for a laundry room (120 sq.ft.), overnight accommodation (120 sq. ft.) and storage space (200 sq. ft.) the total amount of space for 20 staff would be 1,487sq. ft.. What is currently planned is FOUR TIMES THAT TOTAL…. For 11 volunteer fire fighters not 20. (Note: The research figures would also have been for full time staff, not periodic users.)

 

If the staff area were reduced by 4500 sq. ft. to the suggested 1500 sq. ft. there would be an additional savings of $815,625. (4500 x $181.25). Together, reducing to 3 bays and 1500sq. ft. of staff space would save $1,540,625 or 33% of the revised total of $4,671,250. Who would ignore a saving of 33% at any time, let alone in today’s economy???? Moreover, county taxpayers should not be paying for unnecessary, over-built, under-utilized space.

 

These figures deal just with the construction costs. It is noteworthy to anticipate that finishing, furnishing, and future maintenance costs could also be lower in a smaller facility…further justification for reconsidering current plans.

 

We can appreciate that pausing to re-evaluate the plans will delay construction, but feel the cost saving benefits out-weigh the delay concerns. One would hope that redoing the estimates could be accomplished within a month. Delaying construction for a short time now would certainly be advantageous in consideration of the financial gains. Who among you would not wait a month in order to save 33% on a purchase?? 

 

Furthermore, in light of the Covid19 situation and the very, very uncertain economic impact it may have on everyone, it is even more crucial that Council be extremely cautious with their decisions. Future financial burdens brought on by various unknown tax increases federally or provincially must not be augmented by unnecessary municipal spending. While we are aware that a certain amount of the funding for this project is coming from reserves, we are also aware that money may be moved from one reserve category if needed elsewhere. Who knows what the need may be in the future?? We need to use our reserves wisely.

 

Finally, on behalf of all Clearwater County taxpayers, we strongly urge Council to pause, re-evaluate, and proceed with the ultimate of fiscal responsibility.

 

Yours truly,

Marianne Cole