by Wayne Moore -CASTANET Dec 1, 2017 / 5:48 am
Mayor and council in Lake Country have not received a significant pay increase since 2002. Yearly increases have been tied to the Consumer Price Index, but that could change in 2019. Council will debate a new pay structure that, if approved, would provide the mayor with a 23.7 per cent increase and councillors a 17.3 per cent pay hike. The raises would take the mayor's remuneration from $38,265 to $47,325 and councillors pay from $16,143 to $18,930 a year. Those would not take affect until the new council is sworn in following next fall's municipal elections.The pay structure was determined by a four-member committee comprised of three community members and a staff liaison. The new rates would peg the mayor's salary at the 60th percentile of mayors in comparable B.C. municipalities, while councillors would earn 40 per cent of the mayor's salary.Council approved the establishment of the community committee in 2015. The committee began its work earlier this year.
Typically, one-third of councillors remuneration is tax-free, so expenses incurred during daily duties were not deductible. The federal government eliminated that provision earlier this year, however, officials with the municipality says this latest pay increase is not tied to that announcement.
Staffer Tanis Stoltz says instead, mayor and council will be provided with T2200 forms, which will enable them to deduct regular expenses on a yearly basis.
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Also see https://www.vernonmorningstar.com/news/raises-proposed-for-lake-country-mayor-and-council/
Showing posts with label Lake Country. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lake Country. Show all posts
Friday, December 01, 2017
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Sued over Rail Trail
By Wayne Moore - CASTANET Oct 19, 2016 / 5:00 am
A former Kelowna city councillor is suing the District of Lake Country. Colin Day filed suit in BC Supreme Court last Friday. The suit was filed after the municipality served notice it was expropriating a portion of Day's property to make way for the Okanagan Rail Trail. The trail is part of what was once the CN Rail track, which stretches from downtown Kelowna north to Coldstream. The line runs through Day's property and that of a neighbour in Oyama. In the suit, Day says Lake Country expropriated a "20-metre wide section of the former rail corridor lying parallel to, and adjacent to, the east property boundary, extending the entire length of the former rail corridor – namely approximately 740 feet for the project." He further claims the loss in value, damages and disruption exceeds compensation in the amount of $286,500 and mitigative measures in the amount of $7,000. Day is seeking market value for the expropriated land, injurious and severance damages, disturbance damages plus costs, interest and penalty interest. An amount is not provided. Through an agreement with CN Rail, Day had first right of refusal to purchase the portion of the line that bisected his property once it ceased being rail line. Day exercised that option. He said the original corridor is just three feet from his house, on the side the bedroom is on.
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Lake Country mayor says flat property fee necessary
January 19, 2016 - 6:00 AM By Adam Proskiw InfoNews.ca
LAKE COUNTRY – Lake Country mayor James Baker says the reason they’ve decided to charge a flat fee rather than increase taxes this year is because there’s no other way. The District announced they would charge each property $125 for 2016 and likely the next 19 years, in order to pay for upgrades to their rural roads. Some property owners have spoken out against the flat fee saying it places an unfair burden on lower income households. Ron Volk has lived in Lake Country his whole life and says the fee allows the local government to gather funds for road upgrades while allowing them to boast about a zero per cent tax increase. “It is an increase in taxes and to some it’s a lot more (of an increase) than others,” he says. “What they should have done is put our taxes up by (whatever amount they need to raise the money).” The reason they didn’t do that, Baker says, is because they can’t. When Lake Country incorporated 20 years ago, a condition of incorporation was that farm taxes would not go above $.52 per $1,000 of assessed value of the land. “Forty-six per cent of our land base is in agricultural land,” Baker says. "It's the only way we could do it." Baker estimates they need roughly $30 million to upgrade their rural roads to district standards. That involves adding sidewalks, storm drains and lighting. “We have a lot of catching up to do,” he says. “Because we inherited rural standard roads when we incorporated… we have to do a lot of upgrades. It will take increased taxes for the next 20 years.” Baker says the flat fee will bring roughly $600,000 in 2016 and they plan to increase property taxes next year to approximately two per cent to raise another $600,000. The rest, he hopes, will come from government grants. The $125 fee, he says, will be applied every year until 2026, but will not increase. “It could actually go down if assessments go up,” he says. Baker acknowledges that a flat fee does mean a proportionately higher burden for some, but says it will be offset by relatively lower property taxes.
LAKE COUNTRY – Lake Country mayor James Baker says the reason they’ve decided to charge a flat fee rather than increase taxes this year is because there’s no other way. The District announced they would charge each property $125 for 2016 and likely the next 19 years, in order to pay for upgrades to their rural roads. Some property owners have spoken out against the flat fee saying it places an unfair burden on lower income households. Ron Volk has lived in Lake Country his whole life and says the fee allows the local government to gather funds for road upgrades while allowing them to boast about a zero per cent tax increase. “It is an increase in taxes and to some it’s a lot more (of an increase) than others,” he says. “What they should have done is put our taxes up by (whatever amount they need to raise the money).” The reason they didn’t do that, Baker says, is because they can’t. When Lake Country incorporated 20 years ago, a condition of incorporation was that farm taxes would not go above $.52 per $1,000 of assessed value of the land. “Forty-six per cent of our land base is in agricultural land,” Baker says. "It's the only way we could do it." Baker estimates they need roughly $30 million to upgrade their rural roads to district standards. That involves adding sidewalks, storm drains and lighting. “We have a lot of catching up to do,” he says. “Because we inherited rural standard roads when we incorporated… we have to do a lot of upgrades. It will take increased taxes for the next 20 years.” Baker says the flat fee will bring roughly $600,000 in 2016 and they plan to increase property taxes next year to approximately two per cent to raise another $600,000. The rest, he hopes, will come from government grants. The $125 fee, he says, will be applied every year until 2026, but will not increase. “It could actually go down if assessments go up,” he says. Baker acknowledges that a flat fee does mean a proportionately higher burden for some, but says it will be offset by relatively lower property taxes.
Tuesday, December 01, 2015
Tax hike proposed for budget; Parcel tax could kickstart Transportation For Tomorrow
by Kevin Parnell - Lake Country Calendar posted Nov 27, 2015 at 10:00 AM— updated Nov 27, 2015 at 11:07 AM
The District of Lake Country will be asked to pick one of four options to fund the 20-year, $30-million Transportation for Tomorrow Plan at a special budget meeting on Tuesday. District staff is recommending a proposal that would levy a $100 parcel tax in 2016 following by a series of tax increases over three years beginning in 2017, to raise the $30 million dollars necessary to deal with its 200 kilometres of roads, many of which are aging and in need of repair.The parcel tax would collect around $500,000 for the first year of the Transportation for Tomorrow Plan. "This would give us an opportunity to begin the program with some confidence that targeted projects be executed and completed in accordance with the programs identified in the Transportation for Tomorrow Plan," wrote Lake Country chief administrative officer Alberto De Feo in a report to council. Along with the one-time parcel tax to begin implementing the plan, the recommendation calls for subsequent tax hikes in 2017, 2018 and 2019 at a rate of approximately 2.27 to 2.32 per cent. On top of that council will also meet on its regular 2016 budget on Tuesday which at this time is proposing a 2.85 per cent tax increase next year.The Transportation For Tomorrow funding strategy is separate from the budget discussions.(more)
The District of Lake Country will be asked to pick one of four options to fund the 20-year, $30-million Transportation for Tomorrow Plan at a special budget meeting on Tuesday. District staff is recommending a proposal that would levy a $100 parcel tax in 2016 following by a series of tax increases over three years beginning in 2017, to raise the $30 million dollars necessary to deal with its 200 kilometres of roads, many of which are aging and in need of repair.The parcel tax would collect around $500,000 for the first year of the Transportation for Tomorrow Plan. "This would give us an opportunity to begin the program with some confidence that targeted projects be executed and completed in accordance with the programs identified in the Transportation for Tomorrow Plan," wrote Lake Country chief administrative officer Alberto De Feo in a report to council. Along with the one-time parcel tax to begin implementing the plan, the recommendation calls for subsequent tax hikes in 2017, 2018 and 2019 at a rate of approximately 2.27 to 2.32 per cent. On top of that council will also meet on its regular 2016 budget on Tuesday which at this time is proposing a 2.85 per cent tax increase next year.The Transportation For Tomorrow funding strategy is separate from the budget discussions.(more)
Tuesday, March 03, 2015
Council To Vote On Rail Referendum
Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Tuesday, 03 March 2015 16:50
A referendum could get the Okanagan Rail Corridor deal back on the rails in Lake Country. The District's council will meet tonight to debate and vote on a staff recommendation to hold a referendum April 25. It would seek consent to borrow 2.6 million dollars to fund Lake Country's share of the 22 million dollar deal for the former Canadian National rail line. The question staff are recommending is: 'Are you in favour of the District of Lake Country adopting a loan authorization bylaw to borrow up to $2,615,000 to fund the purchase of a 50% share of 16 kilometres of the Okanagan Rail Corridor within District boundaries.' The vote will cost ten thousand dollars to hold. It comes after a failed alternative approval process where 960 residents -- or more than 10 percent -- opposed the plan. The Regional District of North Okanagan and City of Kelowna are other partners in the proposed deal for the 49 kilometre rail line which could be turned into a public trail.
A referendum could get the Okanagan Rail Corridor deal back on the rails in Lake Country. The District's council will meet tonight to debate and vote on a staff recommendation to hold a referendum April 25. It would seek consent to borrow 2.6 million dollars to fund Lake Country's share of the 22 million dollar deal for the former Canadian National rail line. The question staff are recommending is: 'Are you in favour of the District of Lake Country adopting a loan authorization bylaw to borrow up to $2,615,000 to fund the purchase of a 50% share of 16 kilometres of the Okanagan Rail Corridor within District boundaries.' The vote will cost ten thousand dollars to hold. It comes after a failed alternative approval process where 960 residents -- or more than 10 percent -- opposed the plan. The Regional District of North Okanagan and City of Kelowna are other partners in the proposed deal for the 49 kilometre rail line which could be turned into a public trail.
Monday, March 02, 2015
Kelowna unlikely to pay more for railway
Ron Seymour Kekowna Daily Courier Sunday, March 1, 2015 9:17 pm
Kelowna is unlikely to provide the full amount necessary to buy an abandoned rail corridor through Lake Country, a top city official says. The city has already pledged to cover half the up-front costs of $5.1 million, and likely wouldn’t sign on for the full amount, Doug Gilchrist says. “No, I don’t think that’s really an option,” Gilchrist said Sunday. “Coming up with other $2.5 million, that’s really up to Lake Country to figure out.” But Gilchrist was optimistic CN would agree to an extension of the purchase agreement’s deadline so Lake Country could hold a referendum on the municipality’s plan to borrow the necessary funds. “CN has been quite willing to work with us so far on this,” Gilchrist said. “They understand that these are complex deals and things can come up.” At a Tuesday night meeting, Lake Country council will decide how to move forward on an inter-jurisdictional local government effort to buy the Vernon-Kelowna rail corridor from CN for $22 million. Preliminary plans to borrow the money were defeated when 960 Lake Country residents signed petitions against the idea. Under provincial law, the signatures of 931 people — representing 10 per cent of the town’s voters — were necessary to stop the initiative. The tentative agreement to transfer ownership of the abandoned railway from CN to local government set a deadline of April 1 for the deal to be concluded. There isn’t enough time for Lake Country to hold a referendum on the borrowing bylaw before then, so CN would have to agree to an extension. Gilchrist, who has led the municipal efforts to buy the corridor, said he expected to have an answer within a few days from CN on its willingness to provide such an extension. Another option for Lake Country council would be to ask Kelowna to increase its contribution for acquiring the rail corridor. Kelowna has already agreed to pick up half of Lake Country’s $5.1 million share through a loan that has no specified repayment timetable.
Kelowna is unlikely to provide the full amount necessary to buy an abandoned rail corridor through Lake Country, a top city official says. The city has already pledged to cover half the up-front costs of $5.1 million, and likely wouldn’t sign on for the full amount, Doug Gilchrist says. “No, I don’t think that’s really an option,” Gilchrist said Sunday. “Coming up with other $2.5 million, that’s really up to Lake Country to figure out.” But Gilchrist was optimistic CN would agree to an extension of the purchase agreement’s deadline so Lake Country could hold a referendum on the municipality’s plan to borrow the necessary funds. “CN has been quite willing to work with us so far on this,” Gilchrist said. “They understand that these are complex deals and things can come up.” At a Tuesday night meeting, Lake Country council will decide how to move forward on an inter-jurisdictional local government effort to buy the Vernon-Kelowna rail corridor from CN for $22 million. Preliminary plans to borrow the money were defeated when 960 Lake Country residents signed petitions against the idea. Under provincial law, the signatures of 931 people — representing 10 per cent of the town’s voters — were necessary to stop the initiative. The tentative agreement to transfer ownership of the abandoned railway from CN to local government set a deadline of April 1 for the deal to be concluded. There isn’t enough time for Lake Country to hold a referendum on the borrowing bylaw before then, so CN would have to agree to an extension. Gilchrist, who has led the municipal efforts to buy the corridor, said he expected to have an answer within a few days from CN on its willingness to provide such an extension. Another option for Lake Country council would be to ask Kelowna to increase its contribution for acquiring the rail corridor. Kelowna has already agreed to pick up half of Lake Country’s $5.1 million share through a loan that has no specified repayment timetable.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Alternative Approval Process Results for Okanagan Rail Corridor
February 24, 2015 News Release http://www.okanaganway.ca/2015/02/alternative-approval-process-results-for-okanagan-rail-corridor/
Lake Country, BC – On Tuesday afternoon, District of Lake Country Council will review the outcome of the alternative approval process (AAP) for borrowing up to $2.6 million to fund the 50 per cent purchase of the discontinued CN rail line within Lake Country’s jurisdiction.
The alternative approval process concluded at 12 p.m. Monday and results were validated by the District Corporate Officer.
The number opposed to the borrowing bylaw was 960 qualified electors. This is more than 10 per cent of qualified electors (931 qualified electors) so the bylaw may not be adopted.
Council will receive a Determination of Results for the process during the evening Council meeting. The report is available online at okanaganway.ca/municipal.
For more information contact:
Reyna Seabrook, Corporate Services Manager
District of Lake Country
Tel (250) 766-5650 (ext. 206)
rseabrook@lakecountry.bc.ca
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Lake Country derails rail
by Wayne Moore | CASTANET - Feb 24, 2015 / 11:57 am
Residents of Lake Country have said no. Castanet News has learned voters in Lake Country have said no to a bylaw allowing the municipality to borrow up to $2.6 million to purchase half its share of the defunct CN Rail line. The bylaw was voted down following a six week Alternative Approval Process.Taxpayers in Lake Country were being asked to approve the purchase, thus adding an additional $27 to the average tax bill. Official numbers were released shortly after noon. A total of 960 valid signed petitions were received by the noon deadline Monday. In order to quash the borrowing bylaw only 10 per cent of the approximately 9,315 eligible voters (931) were required to sign the petition.
The campaign got nasty last week when opponents of the purchase spearheaded a door-to-door and mail out campaign, one which Mayor James Baker said was full of misinformation. In a counterstrike, Baker sent a letter to local media extolling the virtues of the "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." "Some people may ask if we can afford the cost, but the real question to me is: can we afford not to?" stated Baker in his letter. While the municipality does have options, including a full referendum on the borrowing bylaw, Baker stated the municipality does not have a Plan B. "If local governments are not successful in purchasing the corridor, it could be sold off in parcels to private interests," added Baker in his plea. "This could mean losing control of over 16 kilometres of prime, linear real estate in our community, much of it beautiful waterfront that our residents or visitors cannot access now, and most likely never would if sold privately."Baker has not yet officially commented on the outcome of the AAP.
Lake Country, BC – On Tuesday afternoon, District of Lake Country Council will review the outcome of the alternative approval process (AAP) for borrowing up to $2.6 million to fund the 50 per cent purchase of the discontinued CN rail line within Lake Country’s jurisdiction.
The alternative approval process concluded at 12 p.m. Monday and results were validated by the District Corporate Officer.
The number opposed to the borrowing bylaw was 960 qualified electors. This is more than 10 per cent of qualified electors (931 qualified electors) so the bylaw may not be adopted.
Council will receive a Determination of Results for the process during the evening Council meeting. The report is available online at okanaganway.ca/municipal.
For more information contact:
Reyna Seabrook, Corporate Services Manager
District of Lake Country
Tel (250) 766-5650 (ext. 206)
rseabrook@lakecountry.bc.ca
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Lake Country derails rail
by Wayne Moore | CASTANET - Feb 24, 2015 / 11:57 am
Residents of Lake Country have said no. Castanet News has learned voters in Lake Country have said no to a bylaw allowing the municipality to borrow up to $2.6 million to purchase half its share of the defunct CN Rail line. The bylaw was voted down following a six week Alternative Approval Process.Taxpayers in Lake Country were being asked to approve the purchase, thus adding an additional $27 to the average tax bill. Official numbers were released shortly after noon. A total of 960 valid signed petitions were received by the noon deadline Monday. In order to quash the borrowing bylaw only 10 per cent of the approximately 9,315 eligible voters (931) were required to sign the petition.
The campaign got nasty last week when opponents of the purchase spearheaded a door-to-door and mail out campaign, one which Mayor James Baker said was full of misinformation. In a counterstrike, Baker sent a letter to local media extolling the virtues of the "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." "Some people may ask if we can afford the cost, but the real question to me is: can we afford not to?" stated Baker in his letter. While the municipality does have options, including a full referendum on the borrowing bylaw, Baker stated the municipality does not have a Plan B. "If local governments are not successful in purchasing the corridor, it could be sold off in parcels to private interests," added Baker in his plea. "This could mean losing control of over 16 kilometres of prime, linear real estate in our community, much of it beautiful waterfront that our residents or visitors cannot access now, and most likely never would if sold privately."Baker has not yet officially commented on the outcome of the AAP.
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Rail loan opponents 12% of way to goal in Lake Country
Posted: Friday, January 30, 2015 6:29 pm Kelowna Daily Courier:
Opponents of the railway purchase in Lake Country have surpassed 10 per cent of their goal. Staff had collected 112 petitions by Friday afternoon. Those against the district’s plan to borrow $2.6 million toward the purchase must convince at least 932 adults to sign the forms by Feb. 23 or it will go ahead. Under the alternate approval process, 10 per cent of the municipality’s voters must petition against the proposal. If they do, council will abandon the plan or hold a referendum. Last week, 135 residents attended two open houses hosted by district staff. People were well-informed and opponents had their say, said district spokesperson Karen Miller. “Maybe they own property on both sides of the rail corridor and they’d hope they would have an opportunity to maybe purchase that themselves if the municipality didn’t,” she said. Others are concerned about their taxes going up. Some wondered if they can ride a horse along the corridor — a question no one can answer until the alternate approval process ends in three weeks. “You have to acquire something before you can plan for it,” Miller said. “It doesn’t have to be that all the details are nailed down right at the beginning.” If approved, the average property owner would pay $27 more each year over 20 years based on today’s level of taxation, she said. Lake Country and other local governments want to buy the abandoned 48-kilometre railway corridor that extends from Kelowna to Vernon for $22 million. Kelowna is chipping in $2.5 million toward the Lake Country purchase by selling surplus lands. The city’s own share is $7.6 million. In total, local governments, including Coldstream and the North Okanagan regional district, are contributing $14.7 million. The province is expected to cover the rest.
Opponents of the railway purchase in Lake Country have surpassed 10 per cent of their goal. Staff had collected 112 petitions by Friday afternoon. Those against the district’s plan to borrow $2.6 million toward the purchase must convince at least 932 adults to sign the forms by Feb. 23 or it will go ahead. Under the alternate approval process, 10 per cent of the municipality’s voters must petition against the proposal. If they do, council will abandon the plan or hold a referendum. Last week, 135 residents attended two open houses hosted by district staff. People were well-informed and opponents had their say, said district spokesperson Karen Miller. “Maybe they own property on both sides of the rail corridor and they’d hope they would have an opportunity to maybe purchase that themselves if the municipality didn’t,” she said. Others are concerned about their taxes going up. Some wondered if they can ride a horse along the corridor — a question no one can answer until the alternate approval process ends in three weeks. “You have to acquire something before you can plan for it,” Miller said. “It doesn’t have to be that all the details are nailed down right at the beginning.” If approved, the average property owner would pay $27 more each year over 20 years based on today’s level of taxation, she said. Lake Country and other local governments want to buy the abandoned 48-kilometre railway corridor that extends from Kelowna to Vernon for $22 million. Kelowna is chipping in $2.5 million toward the Lake Country purchase by selling surplus lands. The city’s own share is $7.6 million. In total, local governments, including Coldstream and the North Okanagan regional district, are contributing $14.7 million. The province is expected to cover the rest.
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Opposition to rail purchase grows
by Wayne Moore CASTANET - Jan 17, 2015 / 5:00 am
If the last 48 hours are any indication, opposition appears to be mounting against the borrowing of $2.6 million by the District of Lake Country for its share of the CN Rail purchase. The municipality has triggered an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) to seek approval of the loan authorization bylaw. The annual debt payment would be approximately $164,555 per year over a 20 year period which works out to about $27 a year in additional taxes on the average Lake Country home. Through the AAP 10 per cent of the estimated 9,315 registered voters in Lake Country (931) would have register their disapproval to halt the borrowing bylaw. The municipality would then either scrap the idea or hold a district-wide referendum. AAP petition forms were made available at Lake Country Municipal Hall Wednesday. Since then, approximately 150 forms have been picked up. Corporate Services Director, Reyna Seabrook, says 50 of those forms were picked up by one person. To date two of those forms have already been returned. Guy Bissonette has been one of the most outspoken opponents of the rail corridor purchase. While the corridor would be a nice could have, Bissonette says their are too many must haves the municipality needs to address first. "I had a meeting with (mayor) James Baker and he told me that we have $160 million worth of infrastructure projects on hold because we have no funds and we are $11.4 million in debt so when I add the two together I call that $171.4 million in debt," says Bissonette. "Do we need another recreational corridor? I don't think we need it that bad that we need to be doing that before we are doing necessary infrastructure repairs." Bissonette says the municipality has purchased more than seven acres of waterfront property at the northeast corner of Wood Lake for development of a waterfront park. He says for a fraction of what it will cost for the CN Rail purchase the municipality could develop the park giving its citizens that waterfront access. Further, Bissonette is disappointed in the way in which council is selling the borrowing bylaw to its taxpayers. The municipality is asking to borrow just over half of its share of the rail line ($2.6 million) while the City of Kelowna is 'lending' Lake Country the remaining $2.5 million. "They say the average homeowner is going to pay $27 a year over 20 years but that's only the first portion of the loan. Thy haven't come out and said when Kelowna comes calling for their $2.5 million we're going to hit you guys with another tax increase...you shouldn't have to read between the lines. They should be up front and say the total funding is going to cost X." Official AAP forms are available only through the district office or via mail through Canada Post upon request. There is space for just two signatures per form. Seabrook says only signatures contained within the official AAP response form can be tabulated as per provincial legislation. Privately commissioned petitions or on-line petitions are not valid. Response forms must be returned to the district offices by noon Monday, Feb 23.
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| MFA Amortization Schedule for $2.615 million @ 2.94% Interest with a 4% actuarial |
Wednesday, January 07, 2015
Rail approval process delayed
Posted: Tuesday, January 6, 2015 7:57 pm Kelowna Daily Courier
An approval process for Lake Country’s plan to borrow $2.5 million for a railway purchase plan won’t begin as soon as had been thought. Provincial officials have still not endorsed the town’s plan to gain voter consent by using a counter-petition. We thought we would have heard back from the province by now,” Lake Country Mayor James Baker said Tuesday. The plan had been for council to launch the alternate approval process this week, making the counter petition forms available at the town hall. Lake Country and other local governments intend to buy the abandoned Vernon-Kelowna railway corridor from CN for $22 million. The average Lake Country homeowner would see a $27 rise in their property taxes for each of the next 20 years to pay for the town’s contribution. If 900 people sign petitions against the plan during a 30-day window that opens once the alternate approval process is formally engaged, Lake Country would likely put the railway purchase idea before voters in a referendum. Whenever the province authorizes the alternate approval process, town council will hold a special meeting so the forms can be made available as quickly as possible, Baker said.
An approval process for Lake Country’s plan to borrow $2.5 million for a railway purchase plan won’t begin as soon as had been thought. Provincial officials have still not endorsed the town’s plan to gain voter consent by using a counter-petition. We thought we would have heard back from the province by now,” Lake Country Mayor James Baker said Tuesday. The plan had been for council to launch the alternate approval process this week, making the counter petition forms available at the town hall. Lake Country and other local governments intend to buy the abandoned Vernon-Kelowna railway corridor from CN for $22 million. The average Lake Country homeowner would see a $27 rise in their property taxes for each of the next 20 years to pay for the town’s contribution. If 900 people sign petitions against the plan during a 30-day window that opens once the alternate approval process is formally engaged, Lake Country would likely put the railway purchase idea before voters in a referendum. Whenever the province authorizes the alternate approval process, town council will hold a special meeting so the forms can be made available as quickly as possible, Baker said.
Sunday, June 15, 2014
District revamps departments
by Staff Writer - Vernon Morning Star posted Jun 15, 2014 at 1:00 AM
Further reorganizing is underway at the District of Lake Country. The community and customer services department has been replaced by the infrastructure services department, which will be responsible for all maintenance and operations in the municipality, including parks and buildings. “The new department will also oversee long-term infrastructure planning and the district’s five-year capital budget,” said Alberto De Feo, chief administrative officer. “As a result of the change, the director of community and customer services position was eliminated.” The engineering department will shift focus as well by concentrating on engineering support to development applications and garbage, recycling, public transportation and regional matters. “Because of the continuing trend which shows that building permits are still down, one building inspector position was eliminated,” said De Feo. The reorganization will save about $230,000 a year to fund the Transportation for Tomorrow program, which is part of the district’s infrastructure management strategy. This is the third round of restructuring within the municipality. “The business systems review will make the local government services more efficient and less onerous to the taxpayers,” said De Feo.
Further reorganizing is underway at the District of Lake Country. The community and customer services department has been replaced by the infrastructure services department, which will be responsible for all maintenance and operations in the municipality, including parks and buildings. “The new department will also oversee long-term infrastructure planning and the district’s five-year capital budget,” said Alberto De Feo, chief administrative officer. “As a result of the change, the director of community and customer services position was eliminated.” The engineering department will shift focus as well by concentrating on engineering support to development applications and garbage, recycling, public transportation and regional matters. “Because of the continuing trend which shows that building permits are still down, one building inspector position was eliminated,” said De Feo. The reorganization will save about $230,000 a year to fund the Transportation for Tomorrow program, which is part of the district’s infrastructure management strategy. This is the third round of restructuring within the municipality. “The business systems review will make the local government services more efficient and less onerous to the taxpayers,” said De Feo.
Tuesday, March 04, 2014
30 people out of work as plant closes
by Carmen Weld | CASTANET - Mar 4, 2014 / 10:06 am
Ashland Performance Materials situated in Lake Country is shutting its doors, putting 30 people out of work. The company has announced that they are 'realigning their composites manufacturing base in North America.' Meaning that the company is closing the unsaturated polyester resin and gelcoats facility in Kelowna, British Columbia, as of this June 27, 2014. The company claims several factors contributed to the decision, including the downturn in the economy, the closure of several composites customers in the Northwest, and the closing of the rail spur to Kelowna last summer. “Decisions like this are always difficult, particularly when they involve a facility with a long history of serving customers,” said Ted Harris, president of Ashland Performance Materials. “But this realignment will allow us to operate more efficiently and better position Ashland to continue serving the needs of our North American composites customers going forward.” Ashland will continue to manufacture UPR and gelcoats at the company’s six remaining manufacturing facilities in North America. The company recently completed significant capital investments in four of the six facilities to enhance capabilities and enable more efficient service throughout North America.
Ashland Performance Materials situated in Lake Country is shutting its doors, putting 30 people out of work. The company has announced that they are 'realigning their composites manufacturing base in North America.' Meaning that the company is closing the unsaturated polyester resin and gelcoats facility in Kelowna, British Columbia, as of this June 27, 2014. The company claims several factors contributed to the decision, including the downturn in the economy, the closure of several composites customers in the Northwest, and the closing of the rail spur to Kelowna last summer. “Decisions like this are always difficult, particularly when they involve a facility with a long history of serving customers,” said Ted Harris, president of Ashland Performance Materials. “But this realignment will allow us to operate more efficiently and better position Ashland to continue serving the needs of our North American composites customers going forward.” Ashland will continue to manufacture UPR and gelcoats at the company’s six remaining manufacturing facilities in North America. The company recently completed significant capital investments in four of the six facilities to enhance capabilities and enable more efficient service throughout North America.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Late taxpayers smacked by late charges
Wednesday, 18 July 2012 02:00 Ron Seymour Kelowna Daily Courier:
Tardy taxpayers will add a record $140,000 to municipal coffers in Lake Country. Twelve per cent of all property owners in the municipality north of Kelowna did not pay taxes that were due earlier this month. As a result, they've been hit with a 10 per cent penalty on top of the outstanding taxes. The number of delinquent accounts is up marginally from the comparable figure last year, when the district applied penalties totalling $138,000. Penalties for late payment of property taxes have spiked noticeably in Lake Country since the onset of the recession in 2008. In 2007, penalties amounted to just over $80,000, but the total has risen every year since then. Lake Country expected to collect a total of $19.5 million in property taxes for the municipality and other taxing agencies such as the school district and regional district, by the July 3 deadline. But collections to date only amount to $17.6 million. About $500,000 has been deferred under government programs, the main one being a scheme that allows elderly property owners to postpone tax payment against the eventual disposition of their estate. That leaves $1.4 million in outstanding taxes, representing about seven per cent of the total. In West Kelowna, which also applies an automatic 10 per cent penalty to outstanding tax payments, 93.5 per cent of property owners paid their taxes on time, almost the same number as last year and in 2010. "That leaves $2.8 million still to be collected this year," West Kelowna chief financial officer Jim Zaffino said. The City of Kelowna takes a different tax collection approach, applying a five per cent penalty in early July on outstanding taxes, and a further five per cent in early August. So far, 95 per cent of the total taxation demand of $207 million has been paid. Eighty-eight per cent of the owners of 51,120 separate properties have remitted their taxes. "That's right in line with other years at this point," said Matt Friesen, accountant for the city's revenue branch.
Tardy taxpayers will add a record $140,000 to municipal coffers in Lake Country. Twelve per cent of all property owners in the municipality north of Kelowna did not pay taxes that were due earlier this month. As a result, they've been hit with a 10 per cent penalty on top of the outstanding taxes. The number of delinquent accounts is up marginally from the comparable figure last year, when the district applied penalties totalling $138,000. Penalties for late payment of property taxes have spiked noticeably in Lake Country since the onset of the recession in 2008. In 2007, penalties amounted to just over $80,000, but the total has risen every year since then. Lake Country expected to collect a total of $19.5 million in property taxes for the municipality and other taxing agencies such as the school district and regional district, by the July 3 deadline. But collections to date only amount to $17.6 million. About $500,000 has been deferred under government programs, the main one being a scheme that allows elderly property owners to postpone tax payment against the eventual disposition of their estate. That leaves $1.4 million in outstanding taxes, representing about seven per cent of the total. In West Kelowna, which also applies an automatic 10 per cent penalty to outstanding tax payments, 93.5 per cent of property owners paid their taxes on time, almost the same number as last year and in 2010. "That leaves $2.8 million still to be collected this year," West Kelowna chief financial officer Jim Zaffino said. The City of Kelowna takes a different tax collection approach, applying a five per cent penalty in early July on outstanding taxes, and a further five per cent in early August. So far, 95 per cent of the total taxation demand of $207 million has been paid. Eighty-eight per cent of the owners of 51,120 separate properties have remitted their taxes. "That's right in line with other years at this point," said Matt Friesen, accountant for the city's revenue branch.
Sunday, July 01, 2012
Politicians defend paycheques
Lake Country politicians are defending their compensation. The district has released financial information for 2011, including how much council members were paid for their duties. “We’re not high and we’re not low,” said Mayor James
Baker. “For the size of community and the growth we have, we are where
we should be. We’re not looking at increasing it.” In 2011, Baker had taxable remuneration of $26,090, a non-taxable allowance of $13,045 and expenses of $10,294. In terms of current councillors, Lisa Cameron, Owen
Dickie and Rob Geier had taxable remuneration and non-taxable allowance
of $1,032 and expenses of $264. Penny Gambell had remuneration (taxable and non-taxable) of $15,369 and expenses of $2,327, while it was $15,369
in remuneration for Barb Leamont and $1,073 for expenses. For Jamie
McEwan, there was $1,032 in remuneration and $876 in expenses. For former councillors, there was $14,437 in total for
Noreen Guenther, Geoff Greenwell, Alice Rees and Bill Scarrow. In terms
of expenses, there was $7,528 for Greenwell, $3,006 for Guenther, $3,075
for Rees and $3,818 for Scarrow. Financial information has also been released for district staff. There were 15 employees who earned more than $75,000 in
2011 including chief administrative officer Alberto De Feo at $145,532
and chief financial officer Stephen Banmen at $130,118. “We need a price competitive with other communities,”
said Baker of the need to attract employees with the education and
experience necessary for the municipality.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
The scope of cuts is becoming more clear at Lake Country’s municipal office. As part of an organizational review initiated in November, the district has eliminated nine management and union positions. “This is the beginning of a process and the process is
to provide the best service possible to taxpayers,” said Alberto De Feo,
chief administrative officer. As part of going from seven to five departments, the
directors of human resources, corporate services and development
services have been laid off. “We were top heavy at the directors’ level for the number of staff we have,” said Mayor James Baker. The union positions include a planner, a building
inspector, two customer service clerks, an RCMP clerk and one corporate
services clerk. Some of the unionized staff will be moved into other duties within the district. De Feo is confident the eliminated positions won’t negatively impact operations. “When you do something like this, you have to review priorities and what can be done,” he said. De Feo would not speculate on what other restructuring could ultimately impact staff. “There are a number of recommendations in the (business
systems review) report and council has asked me to review them and come
back with more recommendations,” he said. The district is also looking for efficiencies in terms of services it receives through contractors. “The cost per capita on road maintenance and sewer services is pretty high,” said De Feo. The Regional District of Central Okanagan provides emergency dispatch and geographical mapping. Management salaries are also under review and changes
to the land use application process are expected as a way of encouraging development. “We’ll streamline the process and provide a much better service to applicants,” said De Feo. If all of the restructuring report’s recommendations
are implemented, the municipality could save $700,000, with half of that
coming from payroll. “A one per cent tax increase is equivalent to $80,000.
By eliminating staff, we’re saving about four per cent in taxes,” said
De Feo. “We have an issue of how to pay for aging infrastructure. Council had to make a decision on where the money will go?” A position focused on economic development and pursuing government grants has been created. “It’s a way of the municipality getting revenue that’s not directly property taxes or fees,” said Baker.
Sunday, April 01, 2012
District trimming staff
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: April 01, 2012 1:00 AM
The belt is being tightened at the Lake Country municipal office and that means fewer employees. The district initiated an organizational review in November and some senior management positions are being eliminated. Three individuals have been notified of changes and two have already left their duties. “The end goal is to find realignment of the organization that meets the needs of the community,” said Alberto De Feo, chief administrative officer. “We’ve been told (by residents) to keep taxes in check. Through this operation, we are hoping to save money.” De Feo wouldn’t specify which administrative posts have been impacted so far, and he wouldn’t say how many other staff may leave, although union positions are also being considered. “Some departments have more staff than other municipalities our size. Development services and administration are being looked at,” he said. De Feo doesn’t believe the restructuring process is creating poor morale among the 65 employees. “We’ve been discussing this since June and I’ve interviewed each staff member. There is a desire for change,” he said. “We’ve been operating the same since incorporation (1995).” Mayor James Baker supports the organizational review. “We want to see if we can gain efficiencies,” said Baker, adding that reduced costs and new sources of revenue must be found instead of raising taxes. A report on organizational structure will be made public in mid-April. “Any time there are changes, it’s distressing but all of our staff are really good and if there are changes, they will be highly recommended,” said Baker. The next stage of the organizational review will look at contracted services and value for money of those services. “We will look at whether we can do them better in-house or continue do them from outside,” said Baker. The district will also look at streamlining approval processes to encourage development as a way of expanding the tax base. “We’ve heard that the way we do business in these areas is cumbersome,” said De Feo.
The belt is being tightened at the Lake Country municipal office and that means fewer employees. The district initiated an organizational review in November and some senior management positions are being eliminated. Three individuals have been notified of changes and two have already left their duties. “The end goal is to find realignment of the organization that meets the needs of the community,” said Alberto De Feo, chief administrative officer. “We’ve been told (by residents) to keep taxes in check. Through this operation, we are hoping to save money.” De Feo wouldn’t specify which administrative posts have been impacted so far, and he wouldn’t say how many other staff may leave, although union positions are also being considered. “Some departments have more staff than other municipalities our size. Development services and administration are being looked at,” he said. De Feo doesn’t believe the restructuring process is creating poor morale among the 65 employees. “We’ve been discussing this since June and I’ve interviewed each staff member. There is a desire for change,” he said. “We’ve been operating the same since incorporation (1995).” Mayor James Baker supports the organizational review. “We want to see if we can gain efficiencies,” said Baker, adding that reduced costs and new sources of revenue must be found instead of raising taxes. A report on organizational structure will be made public in mid-April. “Any time there are changes, it’s distressing but all of our staff are really good and if there are changes, they will be highly recommended,” said Baker. The next stage of the organizational review will look at contracted services and value for money of those services. “We will look at whether we can do them better in-house or continue do them from outside,” said Baker. The district will also look at streamlining approval processes to encourage development as a way of expanding the tax base. “We’ve heard that the way we do business in these areas is cumbersome,” said De Feo.
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