Coldstream funds branch furnishings

By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: March 01, 2013 1:00 AM
Coldstream is making a neighbourly gesture to help Vernon with some costs associated with the new Okanagan Regional Library. The district was asked to pitch in $86,044 to help the city pay for the new library furnishings. Coldstream has agreed to pitch in $48,987 – the amount it currently has saved in its library operating reserve. While it is not the amount asked for, several Coldstream politicians suggest Area B and C should contribute funds to assist with the costs. “It was always expected that Vernon, Coldstream and Areas B and C would contribute equally based on their population,” said Coun. Pat Cochrane. “It’s our library as well.” Mayor Jim Garlick points out that there is no requirement for any jurisdiction other than Vernon to contribute, even though each of the area residents use and have access to the library. “The City of Vernon asked for more but they never included the electoral areas in their calculation,” said Garlick. Vernon has since put in a request for Areas B and C to contribute.
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 City of Vernon wants library bucks
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: March 01, 2013 1:00 AM
Vernon politicians are urging their regional colleagues to chip in for the library.  City council will ask Areas B and C to contribute funds towards furnishings for the Okanagan Regional Library branch. “We should get some of our money back and save the taxpayers of Vernon money,” said Coun. Bob Spiers. Because the library is located in Vernon, the city is wholly responsible for the $430,200 cost of furnishings, including tables and shelves. That’s despite the fact that the branch is also the  main library for Coldstream, Area B and Area C residents. “There is no requirement for another area to contribute by law,” said Spiers. However, council decided to ask the electoral areas to voluntarily participate. “We just need to explain where we are with the matter and give them the opportunity,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol. Bob Fleming, Area B director, believes the city’s request for funding is legitimate. “It makes sense given residents from my area use the library,” he said. “It’s unfair to burden City of Vernon residents as all residents of Greater Vernon use it.” Fleming admits, though, that his challenge is determining a source of funds for furniture. “The regional district budget is in the latter stages of being completed and that particular item has not been addressed in there,” he said.