A group of concerned citizens is making one final plea to Chatham-Kent Council to maintain the municipal service centre in Dresden.
Municipal officials are considering closing a number of smaller, under-utilized service centres and information desks, including Dresden, Ridgetown, Thamesville, and Bothwell, in an effort to become more efficient and save money.
Council received 105 deputations in response to the proposal, the majority coming from Dresden.
In an open letter, Dresden Community Development Association asks council whether potential cost savings justify an inconvenience to residents, and consider the historical significance of the Town Hall.
“We understand that there are financial pressures on all levels of government and we appreciate council’s attempt to be good stewards of the taxpayer’s money,” the letter reads. “But along with that stewardship comes a responsibly to provide services equitably across this large municipality.”
The group, made up of over 60 Dresden residents and community groups, says services offered are a vital connection between distinct communities that make up Chatham-Kent. They say closing the service centre will increase the ‘us vs them’ mentality that smaller communities have struggled with since amalgamation.
The letter closes with a request that the motion to reduce in-person services in Dresden and the possible sale of the Town Hall be rejected.
Council will debate the issue at its next meeting Monday night.