Highlights of the Regional District of Central Okanagan board meeting
Highlights of the Regional District of Central Okanagan Board Meeting – March 23, 2020
2020-2024 Financial Plan Adopted
The Regional Board has adopted its 2020 – 2024 Financial Plan bylaw. The budget was drafted prior to the current public health response to the COVID-19 virus and its approval will ensure delivery of RDCO services. In light of the evolving response to the challenges ahead, there may be a time in the coming year that will require the Board to revisit and adapt the Financial Plan to best respond to the needs of the region. The 2020 operating budget totals $55.99-million compared with $58.92-million in 2019. This year $12.5-million will be spent on important capital and infrastructure projects. The details may be viewed online at: rdco.com/budgets.
The Regional Board has approved the use of Gas Tax Community Works Funds for new projects totalling $301,700 in the electoral areas this year. $203,000 will be used in the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area for a new picnic shelter in Killiney Beach Community Park, dog beach fencing, a comfort station at Fintry Access #2 and a Community Trail in Traders Cove. In the Central Okanagan East Electoral Area, $98,700 will be used for signage and roof replacement at the Ellison Heritage Community Hall and for signage at the Joe Rich Community Hall.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Budget Update
The Regional Board has approved an increase in the budget for a major infrastructure project at the Westside Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. Following a public tender request, submitted bids exceeded pretender estimates of $1.4-million for construction of a new Thickened Waste Activated Sludge Vault. The Board has approved a new project budget of $1.9-million which has been included in the 2020-2024 Financial Plan. Funds from the Development Cost Charge and Reserve accounts will be used to pay for the increased project costs.
Non-farm Use ALC Application Supported
The Regional Board supports an application for a non-farm use to the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) for an Ellison-area property within the Agricultural Land Reserve. The applicant is asking the ALC to allow construction of an additional cold storage building at 4381 Old Vernon Road in order to expand its existing cherry and apple production line. If the application is approved by the ALC, the owners would be required to apply for a RDCO building permit.
Regional District office – 1450 KLO Road, Kelowna (Woodhaven Boardroom).
- Thursday, April 9 – following 8:30 am Governance and Services Committee
- Monday, April 27 – 7:00 pm
Audio of the Regional Board meeting at:
rdco.com/media/281856/Audio_20_03_23brd.mp3
Regional Hospital District Budget Approved
The Central Okanagan Regional Hospital District Board has adopted its 2020 – 2024 Financial Plan. It was drafted before the current public health emergency on priorities identified by Interior Health. Depending on how the response unfolds, these priorities may require some flexibility and adjustments in the Financial Plan to meet the needs of Central Okanagan residents. In order to build financial reserves and reduce the potential need for debt financing for a possible $55-65-million in capital projects over the next ten years, the Board has agreed to annual three per cent increases over the next five years. In 2020, the average residential home assessed at $734,500 will pay $188.86 towards capital improvements and new health equipment in the Central Okanagan. The 2020 budget includes $10.5-million for health-related capital project funding.