Plans to prioritize parks could cost Lake Country residents.
A tax increase of 1.25 percent for four years is proposed to help renovate parks and facilities. This increase would only cover parks and recreation and would be in addition to an additional tax increase that the district may need to cover project and operating costs.
Taxpayers saw a tax increase of 5.88 percent in 2020.
READ MORE: Lake Country Approves Property Tax Increase Of 5.88 Percent
The Park and Recreation Advisory Committee discussed whether the recommendation should be included in the current economic downturn caused by COVID-19.
“The consensus was that it is very important to look after our working capital and not put it off for future generations,” said the committee.
The neighboring city of Vernon has decided on a tax increase of 2.13 percent in the 2021 budget.
READ MORE: Vernon Council endorses a 2.13% tax hike as part of the 2021 budget
The items included in the Lake Country park and recreation budget proposals are:
- Woodsdale Waterfront Park and Cultural Design ($ 400,000)
- Pelmewash Pier Design ($ 25,000)
- Okanagan Center Park Design Improvements ($ 25,000)
- Shoreline Park Playground Improvement – Construction ($ 30,000)
The Lake Country Council will begin reviewing the 2021 financial plan on January 12, 2021. While the public is not allowed to attend the household meeting in person, everyone is welcome to log in to watch the meeting live or go to the district’s YouTube channel the next day to see what happened.
The public can also weigh up the plan at a virtual town hall meeting on February 8, 2021.
The next meeting of the Park and Recreation Committee will take place on January 18th at 7pm, where the conceptual design of the Oyama Isthmus Park will be discussed.
READ MORE: Petition is making waves over Oyama Park
@VernonNews
jennifer@vernonmorningstar.com
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