The Mayor of Southgate just couldn’t believe his ears.
A proposal recently tabled by West Grey to no longer charge for use of its libraries by neighbouring residents was a bit of a surprise.
Mayor Don Lewis says at first he thought there would be a catch when West Grey Mayor Kevin Eccles offered council the deal.
Lewis says reciprocal library fees are not common.
Lewis says Eccles offered the same deal to Wellington North, Grey Highlands and Bruce County — all of West Grey’s geographical neighbours.
Lewis says although the savings is small in municipal terms – only about five-thousand dollars — it is money they can dispense in other areas.
Lewis adds they will still have to pay fees for library use to other neighbouring communities such as Wellington North and Shelburne.
He adds has not read all the details but believes the fee freeze is only for one year.
Lewis adds this may add a little oil in the water as Southgate now has a little bit of extra cash to reciprocate towards West Grey.