When the city council and several high-ranking city employees went on a 2-day retreat to the Garrett Creek Ranch Conference Center in Paradise, Texas, last month, the whole thing cost the city $6,933, according to city records reviewed by the News. Was it worth it?
The cost per person was $138.66 per day, which included one night's lodging, food and meeting space. That seems like a small price to pay if the new council members and city staff had a chance to get to know each other a little better, which could ultimately pay off down the line in increased cooperation, etc. As I said in an earlier post, I don't think the council members need to link arms to get anything done for the city, but a certain level of civility will be nice, and it's a lot harder to yell at people you know than those you don't.
Bottom line: I don't have a problem with the expenditure. Do you?
In my job I arrange for lodging and food for groups who travel together, and that actually sounds cheap. You have a good point about the need for civility and cooperation. I also believe in the power of brainstorming to solve problems, especially when the press isn't watching and evaluating every idea and comment. And the council is full of busy people with active work lives and family lives. Getting away to focus collectively on our issues sounds like a great idea. But if they check into the Mansion, let's reevaluate...
Posted by: carol_toler | August 08, 2007 at 04:04 PM