Micro-managing is negative. When businesses, (council is a business) want to oversee every aspect of a committee, commission or interest group, then that committee, etc. is destined to fail.
For years council avoided the formation of advisory committees, panels and the like It appeared council wanted to maintain control over every aspect of the business of the municipality. Some members of the community thought it was time to let selected and elected residents in on some of the legwork. Thus we have the Economic Development Commission, the Finance and Administration Committee and the Land Use Committee. Many of the people on these committees have interest in serving the district and the taxpayer in unpaid roles.
What we cannot do is allow members of council or staff to micro-manage these committees and commissions, because when that happens it negates the work they do. They will likely make some mistakes or poor decisions, but they need to be allowed to work without being micro-managed. But, council should have final approval on all monetary decisions made by these groups, even in their own budgets. If they can’t do their work, then there is no need for them to exist. These types of committees, etc. are usually a stepping stone to local politics and may serve as a springboard to running for council.
Council should ultimately have the final say in any decisions recommended by these committees, so let them do their work, The time for council to speak up is through their vote at the council table.
