Council questions bloated budget

By Scott Neufeld The Vernon Daily Courier Nov 15 http://www.dailycourier.ca/
The Vernon Land Corporation presented its new budget to city council onTuesday – and it was more than double last year’s. Land Corporation board member Jack Borden said raising the budget to $194,000 from $74,000 would give them greater independence and reflect the actual costs of the corporation. In past budgets many of the corporation’s expenditures were funneled into different city departments. “The costs don’t relate to any specific project,” Borden said. When we start developing ideas . . . then we will present a budget for thatparticular project to council.” Coun. Juliette Cunningham said the budget seems high with no indication that a citizen committee is more cost effective than if the city did land acquisitions themselves. She said there needs to be a clearer indication of the benefits. “I still struggle with the kind of money we’re spending,” she said. “We need the public to see the value . . . it’s not very clear why we do itthis way.” Instead of a bloated budget for the Land Corporation, Coun. BarryBeardsell said the city should set aside a reserve fund. He said the corporation could take money as needed freeing up cash for other projects. “That way if there isn’t a major draw on the reserve it won’t have any effect on the operating cost of the city,” he said. Included in the budget is $30,000 in honorariums for five of the board’s directors including two newly added members. That particular line item drew some attention from council. “I don’t believe honorariums are appropriate,” he said. “I can’t vote in favour of a budget that has honorariums on it.” In an interview with the Vernon Daily Courier on Sunday, Land Corporation board member Pat Lett said he has not received his honorarium this year. He said he didn’t receive one in 2004, but in 2005 board members received two payments each totalling $12,000. “Honorariums were established by council right from day one,” he said. “It would be a change in direction if council wants to change the Land Corporation to a volunteer basis.” Council will make a decision on the corporation’s expenditures as part of budget discussions later this month.