Municipal employees in Fort Frances are not getting today off.

Town council rejected a recommendation from administration during a special meeting held Friday.

Councillor Mike Behan notes the town was not obligated to give the time off.

“I am also concerned with, given the tight time frame, how this might affect our user groups who have activities booked for those days, as well as the impact on garbage collection. So given that, I think I’m not that comfortable passing the resolution as it is,” says Behan.

Only councillor Doug Judson felt municipal employees should be given the day off.

“We have a seen a number of departures from our staff, and I think it’s important that staff see that their employer is supportive of that, that our employer is being gracious and providing a good work environment. Sometimes that means giving people time and circumstances like this,” says Judson.

Judson adds the death of Queen Elizabeth II is a historic occasion worthy of solemn observance by community leaders and public servants alike.

He also questions why the resolution council voted on was printed on the agenda before the meeting, which in part was held behind closed doors.

“This fettered council’s discretion, in my view, and tied our hands,” says Judson.

All municipal facilities are open, as are schools and businesses and services.

The Prime Minister last week designed today a National Day of Mourning with federal employees getting the day off for the funeral.

Service Canada and Canada Post are closed as a result.

Ottawa left it up to each province to determine whether they would also mark the holiday.

Ontario chose not to implement a holiday, instead providing an opportunity for a moment of silence at 1 p.m.

Others were concerned the impact a shutdown of municipal services would have on user groups.