Ranch’s financesfocus of committee

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - January 16, 2008

Ailing finances at O’Keefe Ranch will come under increased scrutiny within the City of Vernon. On Monday, council instructed staff to establish the terms of reference for a committee that will look at how to resolve ongoing financial problems at the historic site. “Are we going to pull out all stops and make this a priority?” said Coun. Barry Beardsell, who pushed for action.
“We have not made a real determination of what we will do for the ranch.” In November, the O’Keefe Ranch and Interior Heritage Society presented a draft 2008 budget to the city, which owns the ranch. It showed a potential shortfall of $131,000.

“If this was a business, it would be bankrupt,” said Beardsell Monday.“There are major renovations and protection work needed out there.” The ranch society is also seeking funds to hire a marketing co-ordinator and to develop an RV park as a revenue generator. Beardsell insists that a committee is required to determine financial solutions.“We need to solve this once and for all,” he said.Coun. Juliette Cunningham doesn’t want committee discussions dragging on forever. “We need to put a tight timeline on it so we can meet budget timelines,” she said. Most of council agrees thar short-term funding may be necessary to help the ranch become self-sustaining.“I want O’Keefe Ranch to survive forever. It’s important to the community,” said Coun. Pat Cochrane.However, Coun. Buffy Baumbrough believes any financial plan must be reasonable.“We have to make sure we are not pumping money into a black hole every year,” she said.