GILLIES TOWNSHIP — The cost of providing security if Gillies Township returns to holding in-person council meetings would be $150 per meeting, the municipality says.
But even if the measure is approved, the number of people allowed to attend in-person meetings could be limited to six people on a first-come, first-served basis.
The proposals are contained in a survey the township is currently conducting on its website. Respondents have until March 17 to let the township know how they feel about the proposals.
At one point, the brief survey asks if the six-person limit on attendance would "change your opinion" about the plan.
In an earlier email, Gillies Reeve Wendy Wright said, "Council has been discussing opening regular council meetings for in-person attendance, along with the continued virtual format."
"No official start date has been set, and as previously stated, security will be present," Wright added.
When council meetings could only be viewed online, some residents said they sometimes couldn't hear what council members were saying.
If Gillies Township does provide security at in-person council meetings, it won't be the first city or town to do so, although the measure is unusual for a small municipality: Gillies' population is less than 500.
Last year, the township began receiving threats in response to a proposed property tax increase of 26 per cent.
When council held an in-person meeting about the proposed budget last summer, provincial police were in attendance at the township's request. Though the meeting was occasionally raucous, no arrests occurred.
The unprecedented tax increase — which Wright has attributed to rising costs and a decision not to raise taxes significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic — eventually passed.
Taxpayers have until the end of March to request relief from last year's rate increase.
Residents can still attend the municipal office in Gillies for other matters, but the door is locked, and those wishing to enter must summon staff by ringing a doorbell.
The other five rural Thunder Bay municipalities continue to provide unfettered access to their municipal offices.
Asked earlier this month if her township is still receiving threats, Wright said: "Security and/or health and safety matters will not be discussed."
She added: "Rest assured, the proper authorities are notified when applicable."
More information is available at the township's website at gilliestownship.com.
The municipal office is open during regular business hours on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
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