The City of Vernon has given the Ministry of Community Services half a dozen reasons why they want out of Greater Vernon Water. Mayor Wayne Lippert says until the Ministry of Community Services responds, the city expects to continue to stay involved. The city says attempts to resolve water utility issues have been dragging on for over a year and a half, and there is a lack of accountability to city water customers.Lippert says he's hopeful they'll be able to get things back on target.
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Water Fight by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM
The city of Vernon has taken action after being unable to resolve differences over water, with its rural partners. The city has has given notice to the Ministry of Community Services it plans to withdraw from Greater Vernon Water. Mayor Wayne Lippert says the city is frustrated that attempts to resolve issues with Areas B and C, have dragged on for more than 18 months. "We need to get our concerns addressed. Not just ours but everybody's. For Coldstream and electoral areas B and C but no-one wants to come to the table to discuss it, so this (withdrawl notice) will get them there." NORD chairman Jerry Oglow says the dispute comes down to the city wanting more control over the system. "Vernon wants to have control over water distribution within its own boundaries and not have to go to the water utility." Oglow is optimistic the differences can be worked out once a service review into the water function is completed. "All the stakeholders requested additional financial information which is very close to being provided to them in report form. I'm hoping to convene a meeting of the stakeholders as soon as that report is available, and the results will be considered."Oglow says the city, or any other stakeholder, have the right to pull out of the function once the service review is finished.
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