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Regional district moves ahead with 2016 budget

Directors decided to take $100,000 out of reserves and add it to the budget to reduce the overall tax requisition.

The Regional District of North Okanagan’s 2016 budget has been given the final nod after some last minute changes.

On Wednesday, a majority of the board decided to take $100,000 out of reserves and add it to the budget to reduce the overall tax requisition.

“The reserves are sitting at $1.7 million and I don’t like money sitting in reserves unless it’s for a specific item,” said director Catherine Lord.

“It’s beneficial to use that now.”

However, a number of board members were opposed to the process.

“I would have liked more opportunity for a discussion,” said director Shirley Fowler, adding that the proposal to use $100,000 from reserves was only presented at Wednesday’s meeting for the first time.

“I would have liked to have made an informed decision.”

The overall tax requisition for the region has climbed 1.2 per cent, but it will vary between jurisdictions, and in some cases neighbourhoods, depending on the services received.

Some jurisdictions may see their tax requisition increase 10 per cent while others may see the tax burden drop 12.5 per cent.

The total 2016 budget is valued at  $63.6 million, which is a $1.6 million decrease from 2015.