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White Valley parks eyes tax hike

Members of the White Valley Parks, Recreation and Culture Advisory Committee began tackling the 2017 budget Thursday.
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Facilities are being considered as part of the parks and recreation budget in Lumby.

Preliminary talks reveal a slight tax hike for parks and recreation in Cherryville and Lumby.

Members of the White Valley Parks, Recreation and Culture Advisory Committee began tackling the 2017 budget Thursday.

“Everything is still unresolved,” said Randal Ostafichuk, director.

Staff had recommended a 3.5 per cent increase in the tax requisition but that could shrink to about two per cent when new growth in the area is considered.

“We are looking at a reasonable budget,” said Ostafichuk.

“We want to contribute to reserves to protect our assets but not raise taxes too much.”

Directors have asked staff to provide more information on the capital items, with some of them possibly being cut.

“One of the most significant adjustments proposed is to defer the construction of the community stage, and just do the design in 2017 so the project is shovel ready for grant applications,” said Tannis Nelson, Regional District of North Okanagan community services manager.

The design work for the stage would be about $50,000.

Further 2017 budget discussions will be held Jan. 19.