Budget ready for public input

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: January 16, 2013 1:00 AM
Residents can have a direct say in Vernon’s financial plan. Budget meetings will be held today, Thursday and Friday starting at 9 a.m., with public input set for 11:30 a.m. “We’re looking forward to hearing from the public,” said Mayor Rob Sawatzky. The overall proposed budget is 1.8 per cent higher than 2012 ($448,041), but no determination has been made on a possible tax increase. “I’m hoping to see a good, full discussion on long-term policy objectives,” said Sawatzky. Administration has provided solutions to replace $2 million in reserves that were used to supplement the 2012 budget. The options include fee for service hikes or service reductions. Staff has also requested an increase in property taxes by 1.9 per cent a year over a decade for infrastructure. That would generate about $6 million. The budget can be found at www.vernon.ca/services/finance/documents/2013_2017ProposedFinancialPlan.pdf  On Monday, staff asked council to give early budget approval to 12 capital works projects worth $5.4 million. However, permission was only given to three projects and the remainder will be discussed during the budget meetings this week. “They can be justified during budget time,” said Coun. Bob Spiers, adding the items proposed must be considered as part of the overall financial plan. However, Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe opposed the move, saying that seeking tenders will be delayed. “There’s a cost savings involved and we want to pre-approve contractors,” said O’Keefe. “It’s cherry-picking and I resent it. It’s not serving residents well.” The three items given early budget approval are the Tronson Road sewer lift station for $1 million and 30th Avenue revitalization for $2 million.
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Don Quixote Note: There were only 2 projects given an early budget approval on Monday. This allows the early tendering and/or prequalification of bidders  for the 30 avenue revitalization (4-3 vote) and the Tronson road lift stations (7-0 vote).  The balance of the capital works projects can be given when the green right early budget approval if approved over the next 3 day budget sessions. Most of the remaining capital projects on the 2013 capital works budget potential list are not time sensitive and will not be hampered by waiting until Friday for approval.