CANTON, CT — Local leaders are expressing concern about the efficiency and effectiveness of the Canton Youth Services Bureau, saying its offerings have been so few, it is returning grant money to the state.
Canton First Selectman Kevin Witkos raised the concern at the June 25 Canton Board of Selectmen meeting.
No vote was taken that night, but Witkos said the Canton Youth Services Bureau Committee will be invited to the September meeting to discuss the situation.
According to Witkos, the bureau was left with a surplus of $71,000 at the ned of the last fiscal year.
That, he said, is not a product of efficient operations. He said it's a product of insufficient operations.
Witkos called that a "disservice to our community."
According to its website, the bureau is charged with "planning, evaluation, coordination, and implementation of a network of resources and opportunities for children, youth, and their families."
Witkos, though, said the volunteer committee has canceled four of its past 12 meetings (one-third of them) and "absentee rates are high."
The town's first selectman said in February he sent a letter of concern to committee leaders and, as of June, did not hear back.
Witkos recommended to fellow selectmen that the town mull incorporating the services of the Canton Youth Services Bureau into the Canton Parks and Recreation Department, with hearings in September.
Selectmen discussed the situation last month.
According to Selectman E. Corkum Winsor, she reviewed bureau committee meeting minutes and, while the bureau is making "small donations," she said it is "not doing what they should be working on."
Witkos said the bureau is making donations to causes and maintaining some programs, but — despite a $71,000 surplus — it has not incorporated any new youth programs.
Selectman William Volovski said the board should invite the committee to the September selectmen's meeting to discuss the matter, something it will do.
He said the town might want to consider hiring a part-time employee to manage the bureau and aid the all-volunteer committee.
With selectmen saying, ultimately, they don't want the bureau to dissolve, Witkos said he "wants them to do the work that will benefit the community's youth."
For the minutes of the June 25 Canton Board of Selectmen meeting, click on this link.