Council members reaffirm support for policy
Last Updated on Thursday, 05 January 2012 20:52 Tuesday, 03 January 2012 00:00
Members of Oliver’s new council have reaffirmed their support for a controversial policy that pays for cab fare if employees drink at Town-sponsored functions.
The motion was presented by Councillor Dave Mattes and supported unanimously. But once the news got out, some Oliver taxpayers spoke against the policy, saying it was absurd and did not show fiscal restraint.
Mayor Ron Hovanes said staff are encouraged like every other citizen to make their own travel arrangements when attending Town social functions.
“Keeping an open mind, there may be times when individuals should not be driving home and they have no other option than to take a taxi home.”
Hovanes said it is the wish of council to ensure that when the need arises there is a safe ride home for individuals attending town functions.
“I also believe that if the Town is hosting an event, then we have a measure of responsibility.”
The mayor said the resolution will get the Town through the holiday season, but staff and council may wish to review it and come up with a more comprehensive policy in the new year.
Councillor Linda Larson said she wouldn't have thought being a responsible employer would be a negative.
She is not aware of any business or corporation that does not make transportation available when sponsoring any event where alcohol is served. Larson stated that all events she has attended since the new .05 alcohol law came into effect have a safe ride home available to the invited guests.
“The alternative to that is being sued, and I don't think the Oliver taxpayers would appreciate that bill to pay versus $5 for a taxi ride.”
Larson said this policy will be closely monitored to insure there is no abuse, and it only applies to functions that the Town is officially sponsoring.
Councillor Jack Bennest said most of the responses to two critical letters written by David Badger and Ron Unger supported council in its actions.
Councillors Maureen Doerr and Dave Mattes declined to comment on the matter after concerns were raised about the policy.
Mattes previously stated the Town should pay for transportation service for staff at social functions. “If you consume too much alcohol, you should be reimbursed for the fare home. We have to look after our employees.”
But local resident Georgena Forsythe said she is totally against the new policy of paying for cab fares for employees who choose to drink at these functions
“If the mayor would like to take his money out of his own pocket, I don't object. But to dig into the taxpayers’ money bag . . . that's a no-no.”
Forsythe said her husband worked for the Abbotsford Public Works department for years and the city never considered doing this.
She noted that employees were responsible for their own means of travel to get home, and the city wasn't held accountable.
Local resident Tracy Hunt said she wants to see her tax dollars spent wisely, but she doesn’t see this happening with the new policy.
“I would hope that our town councillors are responsible adults who think ahead and make arrangements if they are planning on drinking so much that they can't drive home.”
Hunt would also like to know if her tax dollars are being spent on the booze being consumed at these functions.
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