South Stormont Township council is getting tough with the St. Lawrence Parks Commission over a dispute involving thousands of dollars worth of funds and equipment.
This week the township told the parks commission it would be keeping $47,000 in cash and equipment that has been left surplus after the municipality wrapped up its operating mandate at Farran Park.
This year Farran Park returned to the parks commission fold after spending 21 years as a municipal amenity.
The $47,000 was sought by the parks commission after it regained control of the popular camping area.
But the township is having none of that, and said this week it’s keeping the money.
“From the wording in the agreement we have with them, we don’t believe (the money) belongs to (the parks commission),” said South Stormont deputy-mayor Tammy Hart.
She added the township’s auditor, Ross Markell, has examined the agreement between the parties and has determined the municipality is within its rights to keep the money and equipment.
“He doesn’t see anything in the agreement that says we need to (provide it),” she said.
However, some lawn equipment and a docking system worth about $5,000, will be reclaimed by the commission.
“They’re going to be getting that, no problem,” she said, adding the township expects the parks commission to continue seeking the funds and equipment. “We’ll have to wait for word from the parks commission on that.”
Farran Park has been operated by the township for the past 21 years. Former Osnabruck Township re-opened the abandoned park in 1991.
The township, during its 21 years of operations, completed several enhancements at Farran, including capital projects like municipal water service to the park, a new park play structure, renovations and rehabilitation to park buildings, additional lots both electrical and water, upgraded electrical panels, drainage improvements, continued road maintenance and new signage.
