Where's the Savings?

The town of Fort Frances wants to know if the province's decision to take back the responsibility of paying for some social welfare services will translate into actual savings for the municipality.

The province says the town will receive $3.1 million dollars in funding this year to help offset the cost of social programs, and will realize savings of 276-thousand through the phased upload of the Ontario Disability Support Program and Ontario Works.

Treasurer Laurie Witherspoon says that should reflect in a smaller pay-out to the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board.

"Our share for DSSAB is about 36 per cent for the district," says Witherspoon, "so when we look at savings of $276-thousand the province is paying on our behalf, the town itself should realize some savings."

Other communities in the Rainy River district are also expected to see their costs toward the district's social program be reduced as well.

According to information from the Ministry of Finance, savings to the township of Chapple are pegged at $38-thousand. Emo is listed as seeing a reduction of $33-thousand while the township of Alberton is expected to see savings totalling $35-thousand.

Meantime, Fort Frances officials plan to meet with representatives from DSSAB to discuss the numbers further.