Westside debates tax for hall
North Westside Road residents could see taxes climb to support a community asset.
The North Westside Communities Association is proposing a November referendum on a service area tax, with funds going to maintenance and capital needs at the community hall on Udell Road.
“At this point, we are just having general discussions about the proposal,” said president Val Trevis.
The concept will be discussed at the association’s annual general meeting Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the hall.
Based on the tone of that discussion, the association may decide to ask the Regional District of Central Okanagan to proceed with a referendum.
The hall is owned and operated by the association.
“Funding for the hall comes solely from memberships in the association, rentals and the occasional grants-in-aid (from RDCO),” said Trevis.
“If it’s just based on membership, eventually we could run out of money.”
Trevis says the service area tax would provide sufficient resources to operate the hall while also planning for future capital demands.
“We want to maintain ownership and operation within the community but with a different funding model.”
A possible tax rate has not been established yet.
“We want it to be as low as possible,” said Trevis.
“We want to cap it per household so everyone pays the same.”
RDCO staff and director Jim Edgson will be at Wednesday’s meeting to determine if there is sufficient public interest to proceed with a referendum.
“I encourage people to come out and say which way things should go,” said Edgson, who is not taking a firm position on a new tax or retaining the status quo.
“I understand where they (association) are coming from but I want a referendum to determine if the public is willing to support the hall through a new tax.”
The hall is the only community space in the North Westside Road area, which covers an area from Westshore Estates to La Casa.
“Our hall is used well. We have a full schedule,” said Trevis.
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