A historic site is being warned not to expect full funding in the next few years.
Vernon council has advised O’Keefe Ranch that a full $150,000 grant continues for next year, but there’s no guarantee for 2018 or 2019.
“It’s only for 2017,” said Mayor Akbal Mund.
In 2013, the city announced it would reduce funding to the civic-owned ranch starting in 2017, but that was delayed by a year after a council resolution in June 2016.
As part of the process, the ranch recently provided the city with a financial report.
“On page 14 of the submission, which provides budgets through 2019 for the ranch, it indicates funding from the City of Vernon in the amount of $150,000 through 2019,” said Kevin Bertles, the city’s director of financial services, in a report. “This is not in alignment with council’s adopted resolution of June 13, 2016.”
Mund isn’t sure what funding levels will be directed towards the ranch in future.
“I’m sure we will have discussions during budget meetings,” he said.
Presently, the plan is $100,000 in 2018 and $50,000 in 2019.