Published: May 23, 2009 12:00 PM Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star
Efforts are intensifying to keep a major public service from splitting apart. The North Okanagan Regional District is establishing a process to try and keep the City of Vernon from withdrawing from Greater Vernon’s water utility. “I want what’s best for everybody and not one particular party,” said Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director, who pushed for action to be taken. Last spring, the city announced it would not participate in water distribution for a number of reasons including a lack of co-ordination on capital projects among jurisdictions and the belief that customers are confused over the governance structure.If the city does leave distribution, the other partners — Coldstream, BX-Swan Lake and BX-Silver Star — have questioned how the function can continue financially.
NORD’s process will include staff developing a report with a historical water rates analysis, capital expenditures by jurisdiction, operating costs by area and scenarios if the city does withdraw. “How can we deal with an issue if we don’t understand it. The consequence (of Vernon departing) is immense for all of us,” said Macnabb. A consultant will be contracted to assist with the review. “I’m hoping we can have a consultant hired fairly soon. It will be a fairly involved process but time is of the essence. It could take four or five months for the review,” said Macnabb.
Arbitration was established so Vernon could leave the function, but Macnabb is calling on all of the participants to reconsider meditation to reconcile any differences. The City of Vernon’s NORD representatives have agreed to the process moving ahead. “The city is always open to discussions and trying to work things out,” said director Wayne Lippert.
2 comments:
Why is it every time a group is going to lose a major benefit they call for an expensive consultant to advise them, when common sense should prevail?
One never appreciates what they have until they find out they are going to lose a freebie.
Who is Macnabb-just Fields replacement and buddy from wayback. This is just another effort to delay things,but with a large price tab-or are those wanting it willing to pay the costs?
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