An upcoming service review of the North Okanagan Regional District has become controversial before it’s even begun.Vernon’s representative on the review 
Coun. Barry Beardsell said he “took offence” to comments made by Coldstream councillor Doug Dirk about Beardsell’s participation in the review.“I took offence to it,” Beardsell said. “I’ve put in a phone call to (Dirk) to find out what he means.”According to a local media outlet Dirk told Coldstream council last Monday that with Beardsell participating in the review nothing will improve.“Let’s assume that with Coun. Beardsell running the show it won’t be satisfying.“There won’t be a perception change on his part. He’s had the same view for 10 years,” Dirk is quoted as saying.
Coun. Barry Beardsell said he “took offence” to comments made by Coldstream councillor Doug Dirk about Beardsell’s participation in the review.“I took offence to it,” Beardsell said. “I’ve put in a phone call to (Dirk) to find out what he means.”According to a local media outlet Dirk told Coldstream council last Monday that with Beardsell participating in the review nothing will improve.“Let’s assume that with Coun. Beardsell running the show it won’t be satisfying.“There won’t be a perception change on his part. He’s had the same view for 10 years,” Dirk is quoted as saying.Beardsell said he doesn’t understand what Dirk is trying to say. “‘There won’t be a perception change on his part . . . ,’ what does that even mean?” Beardsell said.Dirk was unavailable on Sunday to clarify his comments.
Mayor Wayne Lippert came to his colleague’s defence saying that Beardsell was selected to be Vernon’s representative because of his expertise in financial matters and his experience in local government. “We’re confident he’ll do a good job for us, we think he’ll work to everybody’s benefit,” Lippert said. The provincial government is showing its support by hiring a staffer for the review which will determine if fees and charges within the district are leveled fairly.The review will also assess the effectiveness of the various district departments, including the ones falling under the umbrella of Greater Vernon Services.“We’re going to make sure the customer gets what they’re paying for,” Lippert said. “It’s a part of doing good business.” The district has never undergone a full service review, Beardsell said. The last service review of any kind was done before he was on council, Beardsell said. His focus will be on analyzing the district functions that Vernon participates in, Beardsell said.“It’s a chance to look at different things to see if everyone is getting their fair share of the costs,” he said.
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