Friday, July 25, 2008

Opposition is one for the books


One is the loneliest number. Turns out that one is also the number to oppose the latest alternative approval process for the borrowing of $4.5 million to construct a new library headquarters on KLO Road. In order to prevent the borrowing, more than 10 per cent of Central Okanagan electors, or 12,433 voters, would have needed to sign elector response forms stating their opposition to the scheme before July 11. Regional district chairman Robert Hobson, during a board meeting this week, made note of the virtually nonexistent opposition. “I notice that one signature is less than 10 per cent,” said Hobson, to laughter from fellow directors. He also wondered who the person was to oppose the borrowing.“Someone perhaps who doesn’t read,” joked Hobson.The elector’s name was not provided.

Work had actually already started on the library building in January, well before the alternative approval process began. That’s because the Okanagan Regional Library District had arranged a loan through a chartered bank. Turns out the chartered bank backed out last minute because questions were raised about whether a local government body should be borrowing outside of the Municipal Finance Authority. The Community Services Ministry then advised the Okanagan Regional Library District to have the Central Okanagan Regional District borrow the money on its behalf. Nineteen municipalities and four regional districts in the library system will be repaying the loan through levies on property tax notices.

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