Budget Fails To Draw Big Numbers

Written by Peter McIntyre Wednesday, 12 January 2011 16:48 107.5 KISSM

Public input was pretty minimal on the first day of special budget meeting by Vernon council.  Resident Jim Bodkin was one of just two people who showed up for the session  Wednesday and made comments.  One of Bodkin's concerns is the money the city is putting into the O'Keefe Ranch.  He tells KISS FM, "I'm not saying we shouldn't have the ranch. I think it's great to have it, but I don't think it's fair the taxpayers of Vernon should be shelling out a quarter million dollars a year to keep it up."  Bodkin would like the city to lobby the province and other local communities to also fund the heritage attraction.
The Landing resident also told the elected reps, he feels Vernon is paying more than its share for RCMP costs. "We don't want, as the taxpayers of Vernon, to be paying the entire salary of the superintendent and the senior staff sergeants. There has to be a proper allocation of that." Council --which is working toward a zero budget--also heard the service level adjustment requests from several department heads.  Another session will be held Friday, starting at 8:30 in council chambers.  Photo: City department heads wait for their turn to give budget input to city council Wednesday (P.McIntyre)