By Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star Published: April 13, 2012 1:00 AM

The Schubert Centre will receive a hand. Vernon council has approved a $15,000 grant to the seniors’ organization, which has been experiencing financial challenges. “It’s a one-time grant,” said Mayor Rob Sawatzky. The centre had asked the city to waive water, sewage and property taxes annually, but city officials were concerned that would set a precedent. Financial problems forced the Schubert Centre to seek assistance in 2009 and at that time, the city agreed to $15,000 annually for three years. The centre has a debt load in excess of $100,000, and it is largely a result of a loan related to kitchen renovations, provincial Bingo revenue being cancelled and an audit leading to $100,000 in GST being paid to the federal government in 2006. Opposition to providing the $15,000 came from Coun. Bob Spiers. “According to their proposal, they have 1,200 members who have a $35 annual membership fee,” he said. “Raising this membership fee by $15 would raise  $18,000 annually and more than make up their request for taxpayers money. They have a business model problem that can be addressed by increasing revenue that will make them self-sustaining in the future as they were in the past.” The city is encouraging the Schubert Centre to apply for a 100 per cent property tax exemption under the social services category. It currently receives 75 per cent in the educational category. Council also wants Schubert Centre officials to seek assistance from the business community on how to improve its financial model. Coun. Patrick Nicol believes the non-profit society is realistic about its situation. “They are well aware of the adjustments they have to make on their expense side,” he said. In a related matter, the Schubert Centre’s proposal for new seniors housing continues to move ahead. Official community plan and zoning changes are being sought from the city so the society can constrict two residential buildings on its 30th Avenue property. About 2,150-square-metres of the city-owned Luc Girouard Park, also known as the Rock, is required for the project. The city held a public hearing to gather input on the proposed OCP and zoning amendments but no one attended,
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Don Quixote Note: The Schubert Centre has received a 75% Permissive tax exemption that was valued at approximately $15,000 last year.  A change to the more correct 100% Category would mean about a further tax relief of about $5000. I did suggest a 2012 grant to cover this amount as the deadline for permissive tax changes has past. Permissive Tax exemptions that are granted are for all property taxes including School, RDNO taxes as well as Vernon Municipal Taxes.

Schubert Centre Lands City Grant

Photo: Schubert Centre

Written by Peter McIntyre  107.5 KISFM Tuesday, 10 April 2012 19:32 
  A Vernon seniors facility will be getting some financial assistance from city council. The Schubert Centre on 30th Avenue is facing a $100,000 debt, and had asked the city for a number of exemptions including taxes and water. Mayor Rob Sawatzky says they've approved a one time grant of 15-thousand dollars. He tells Kiss FM, "And we have recommended to them that they apply for the higher tax exemption classification. They were not getting the full exemption." Sawatzky says applying in the social services category will give the centre a 100 percent exemption from city taxes, saving the facility up to an extra five thousand dollars annually. The centre will also be encouraged to seek assistance from the business community on how to improve their business model.