Meaford council is hoping to get together with the Owen Sound Library Board in the near future.

At its regular meeting Monday night Meaford council endorsed a resolution from the Meaford Public Library that invites the Owen Sound Library Board to get-together to discuss items of mutual interest and the contract Meaford has to provide library services to residents of Sydenham Township.

Councillors said Monday night the purpose of the meeting is to share information, discuss the contract and look at future needs.

The contract for library services with Owen Sound has long been a controversial item for Meaford council. It costs all taxpayers in excess of $100,000 a year, but only residents from Sydenham have access to the Owen Sound Library.

The Owen Sound Library Board has repeatedly rejected attempts from the Meaford Library Board to establish a no-cost reciprocal borrowing agreement that would allow residents from the rest of Meaford access to that library. Meaford has such agreements with Grey Highlands and The Blue Mountains.

The contract with Owen Sound for library services was mentioned as a potential budget cut for council to consider by CAO/Treasurer David Creech after the preliminary 2008 budget showed a large tax increase would be required.

"This is an attempt to reach a better agreement between the Boards and the municipality," commented councillor Jim McPherson.

Other members of council stressed that Meaford was not looking to cancel the contract with Owen Sound.

"By getting the parties together we can build trust and build a relationship," said Deputy Mayor Mike Traynor. "The more people understand, the more they know what the needs are," he said.
Councillor Cynthia Lemon said she was pleased the meeting was going to be an information session and not a negotiation.

"This is a very passionate issue that tends to create conflict. I'm glad the intent of the meeting is to build on what we have and make it better," she said.