Members of the AAMDC/AUMA joint task force on cost sharing set forward the following principles for relationship building as a basis of successful service/cost sharing discussions and agreement development. In no particular order, the beliefs are:

• Recognize the importance of developing good intermunicipal relationships as a basis of good agreements.
• Facilitate the building of intermunicipal agreements based on open communication, trust, and transparency.
• Encourage the development of a broad community vision while respecting the democratic accountability of municipal councils.
• Realize the commitment from all parties to negotiate in good faith.
• Minimize the opportunities for litigation; take away the reasons for conflict.
• Remain flexible and adapt to emerging needs, agreements must be timely and reflective of the public will.

The task force identified that the most critical element to determine a successful outcome to cost-sharing negotiations is the relationship of negotiating parties, the attitude of individuals involved and the will of the group to come to a successful resolution. Relationships built on trust, respect, transparency and mutual understanding of the objectives, beliefs and values of the other party are essential to creating or nurturing a desire for a positive resolution to intermunicipal negotiations.

• Characteristics of Effective Relationships
• Relationship Checklist
• Barriers to be considered in Cost-sharing

To promote regular communication with residents, and to provide an opportunity for municipal representatives to understand and be aware of (service) concerns of other municipal officials and residents in the region, a worthwhile idea for consideration is the establishment of intermunicipal advisory committees. Intermunicipal advisory committees would encourage municipal representatives to work together to address issues in the region as a whole, and build relationships with each other and citizens. Click here (Intermunicipal Advisory Committee) to view a sample terms of reference if an advisory committee is considered.

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