BEYOND THE HEADLINES: Loosening the belt

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: May 18, 2011 1:00 AM
Vernon officials have been singing the budgetary blues — that residents have been hit hard by the recession and now is the time to ease back on spending.  But the May 9 council meeting told a far different story.  It all started when the politicians approved an extra $21,000 for renovations at the former Lakers clubhouse on Cummins Road. Apparently, the original $60,000 wasn’t enough to cover electrical and heating problems missed during the building inspection. A kitchen will also be installed. The goal is to convert this space into a community hall where recreational programs, weddings, meetings and other activities can be held.  One has to wonder, though, if it will draw crowds or will it mirror the largely vacant and heavily subsidized Vernon Recreation Complex auditorium. Is there an actual return on investment?  Obviously bringing summer camps and after-school programs closer to Okanagan Landing kids makes sense, but was Paddlewheel Park Hall considered as an option? That would support the activities of the non-profit Okanagan Landing Community Association while not burdening taxpayers with long-term operating and capital costs. Renting Lakers out for special events could also generate competition for Paddlewheel Park Hall.  Hands were also raised May 9 for $3,883 so the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra can perform at Polson Park July 1.  Yes, culture feeds the soul and obviously Canada’s 144th birthday is something to celebrate.  But I can’t shake the image of Marie Antoinette in her powdered-wig as those who can’t make ends meet or struggle to find employment gather in the park to listen to the classics.  The $3,883 is on top of the $3,570 the city has already committed to symphony operations this year. Given that, you wouldn’t  expect OSO to hit up the city for more to perform.  It’s also rather ironic that the same politicians  who want to promote cultural experiences for the public have been ignoring the inadequate  conditions at the museum and art gallery for years.

City officials undoubtedly will argue the money for the clubhouse and the concert is coming from reserves  and not directly impacting taxpayers’ bottom line.  But consider that reserves are like your personal savings account. If you keep dipping into  it, eventually the ability to tackle emergencies is gone.  To replenish reserves takes money and that largely comes from taxes, so residents are ultimately left picking up the tab.  Reserves bolstered by casino funds can be seen as an endless source of cash but given the provincial government’s lust for money, there’s no guarantee the city will always have that revenue source to access. Use it wisely while it still exists.  Members of Vernon council were quick to leave the public with the impression that the 2011 budget is a document dedicated to restraint and running as lean an operation as possible.  But it appears like the belt has already been loosened a couple of notches.
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Don Quixote Note: The Lakers Clubhouse was an approved SLA P.147 (Of Financial Plan) 2011-2015 Financial Plan. - 15.60MB   for a net of $57,000.  ($60,000 for renovations to bring it up to a usable condition less $3000 worth of expected yearly revenue) (Passed by 6-1 vote). This time the additional $21,000 to complete the Kitchen ($16,000) and finalize the outer grounds landscaping ($5,000) described on p.69 of Agenda Package  was passed 5-0. (In for a penny, in for a pound).