Hears library budget proposal
Powell River Public Library chief librarian Terry Noreault presented the library’s proposed 2018 capital and operating budgets to City of Powell River committee of the whole at its meeting on January 16. Budgeted operating revenue is $1.26 million, which is an increase of approximately 10 per cent over 2017. The largest revenue shares comes from the city and Powell River Regional District. City funding accounts for 62.4 per cent of revenue and the budget is calling for the city’s contribution to increase 11.5 per cent from approximately $706,000 to $787,000. The regional grant would also increase by 11.5 per cent from $312,000 to $347,000. The library’s largest expense is labour, where the budget is showing an increase of 4.7 per cent, including a two per cent projected increase to Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). CUPE is currently negotiating a new contract with the library. Committee of the whole moved to have the library budget forwarded to the financial committee.
Delays Inn at Westview report
City clerk Chris Jackson was scheduled to report to committee of the whole and ask for the release of funds to begin exploring what to do with the former Inn at Westview building. The report was not presented because the owner of the property has come forward with information and requested to appear at the regular council meeting on February 13. Jackson said third-party privilege allows the owner to keep the information in confidence except to council. One part of the presentation will take place at the open public council meeting and one part will be conducted in-camera.
Supports cannabis tax revenue sharing
Committee of the whole moved to join City of West Kelowna’s request for a formal agreement to divide tax revenue on cannabis sales with local governments. Revenue-sharing discussions currently involve federal and provincial governments; local governments have been excluded. The committee has asked for a letter to lobby the province for 50 per cent of its share of the cannabis tax to offset the impact of costs and services paid for by municipalities, including policing, fire services, communications and law.
