Vernon will continue to have a voice on the federal scene.
Council has shot down a staff recommendation not to renew the $5,543 membership in the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
“I know the city is looking for ways to save money and we don’t attend FCM conferences as a rule but they do a lot of good work,” said Coun. Juliette Cunningham.
As an example, Cunningham points to the gas tax grants local communities have received and that has been a result of FCM placing pressure on the federal government.
“If you benefit from something, you should pay your way.”
Coun. Catherine Lord also spoke in favour of the relationship with the FCM.
“We need somebody lobbying our federal government and they send us updates regularly,” she said.
In a report, chief administrative officer Will Pearce stated that the rationale for his recommendation was, “Administration is carefully reviewing all cost areas within the corporation.”
