AAC members say they’ve heard loud and clear on future of Recreation News

After hearing from angry Villagers, the Amenity Authority Committee has agreed to reduce the Recreation News budget next year.

The cost of printing and distributing the Recreation News had been projected to swell to $364,640 in 2017-18 from $210,960 in 2016-17.

But angry residents, facing the prospect of footing the bill, made their voices heard when they learned of the spiking cost.

“I have heard more on this issue than any issue we’ve ever faced, including the multi modal path issue,” said AAC member Ann Forrester during a budget workshop Wednesday afternoon.

AAC members have agreed to cut the Recreation News budget by $143,000, back down to a more acceptable $221,640.

Rolling back the huge increase wasn’t enough for some AAC members. Some AAC members said it may be time to bid farewell to the pulp version of the weekly Recreation News in favor of a high-tech option.

“I really hope we can get something done. Hopefully, by the first of the year,” said AAC member Joh Wilcox. “It’s been a hot topic. People don’t see a need to republish the same information over and over.”

AAC Chairman Carl Bell predicted the day is coming for a new approach to Recreation News.

“There’s no question at some point it is going to change to an automated approach. We are going to get there at some point,” he said.