Town of Osoyoos council and its senior administration is continuing to do a great job between providing services and upgrading infrastructure within the town, while keeping tax increases at a modest level most B.C. municipalities this size can only dream of, says Mayor Stu Wells.
The town officially released its Annual Report on behalf of town and staff before Monday’s regular meeting of town council.
The 90-page document, which is available on the town website, features a brief synopsis from each of the town’s department directors as well as a detailed financial statement.
Wells said he’s proud of the job council and staff have done in balancing the service needs of local residents and keeping taxes down.
There were numerous major infrastructure projects completed in 2013, with many more planned in 2014, yet council has been able to keep the tax increase to local ratepayers at 1.83 per cent, said Wells.
One per cent of the tax increase is going directly to a reserve fund to pay for future policing costs as there will be a significant hit to local taxpayers once the town’s population officially increases to more than 5,000, which is expected to take place following the next national census in 2016.
Under provincial legislation, town’s with a population base of more than 5,000 have to pay 70 per cent of policing costs, compared to the 30 per cent now paid by local taxpayers.
Wells said he looks forward to presenting the annual report on behalf of council and staff.
“This is a great opportunity to report on the state of our town,” said Wells, who announced recently he will be seeking another term as mayor in the upcoming municipal election in November.
“This report provides the community with an update on progress made in relation to the performance of accomplishments, and objectives that were set out for the 2013 fiscal year.
“This year’s report chronicles the journey to meet the community needs that were identified in the five-year business plan. Council and staff are proud of delivering these results as reflected in the minimal budget increase, while at the same time planning for the community’s future needs, such as protective services.
The current council’s commitment to investing taxpayer dollars towards major infrastructure projects and community services adds to the quality of life and overall wellness of the town, said Wells.
“Council is also very proud of the contributions made by our citizens,” he said. “Desert Park and the return of horse racing is a great example of volunteers adding to the social fabric of our community. There are many residents stepping forward to assist by joining advisory committees and community associations.
“Council really appreciates these opportunities to interact with the residents of Osoyoos, as one of our goals is to be collaborative, inclusive and transparent.”
Council and staff are building on the successes of 2013 as we work on delivering the identified outcomes in the business plan and this year’s budget, said Wells.
“Our objective is to provide the utmost quality of services in a fiscally responsible manner,” he said. “We will continue to be a progressive, vibrant community offering “Canada’s Warmest Welcome.”
Chief administrative officer Barry Romanko highlighted some of the town’s success stories in 2013.
“In 2013 our administrative and operational teams continued their commitment to overall success and excellence in the delivery of municipal services to the Osoyoos residents and visitors,” he said. “A big part of this commitment was delivering services to all in a cost effective and efficient manner enabling municipal tax and utility rates that are the envy of other communities.
“I am happy to report that we achieved remarkable success on many of the initiatives identified in the 2013 Business Plan and illustrated adaptability to respond to the evolving priorities that challenged us during the course of the year. The business plan identifies projects on a three year basis and successfully functions as a staff and Council reference and planning tool.”
Romanko listed some accomplishments he and members of the senior administration are most proud of in 2013. They include:
• Public Facility Accessibility – In response to the Social Planning and Research Council of B.C. Accessibility Audit, council provided financial policy to allocate $20,000 per year to improve accessibility in public facilities. Projects implemented in 2013 included installation of crosswalk timers, power door installations at Destination Osoyoos, the library and Gyro Beach washrooms, and general improvements to all washrooms.
• Council/Administration Transparency – Continued to have open meetings for budget development, held a public budget consultation meeting, continued to release in camera motions, and council directed that Committee of the Whole meetings be webcast in 2014.
• Infrastructure Construction – Sewer forcemain, treated effluent infiltration bed, Cottonwood Drive, Splash Park, Gyro Park design, fire hall design, road condition and assessment plan, and sewer capacity study.
• Service Efficiency – Completed downtown parking and business surveys, redesigned website, improved customer service through online service requests, community grant application, expanded information and interactive maps. Reunited economic development and tourism marketing through Destination Osoyoos.
• Community Services – worked with TELUS on fibre-optic installation, additional public parking was secured for summer, sign bylaw implementation, updated home occupations bylaw, and development of an RCMP reserve account.
Challenges and opportunities for 2014 will include resort municipality fund expenditure on the development of Gyro Beach and completion of landscaping; a referendum for the new fire hall; implementation of the Multi-material BC Recycling Program; recycled water distribution line construction; policy development on community water meter installation; completion of the Splash Park; Community Services Plan consultation; implementing the municipal elections and new council orientation.
“My appreciation is extended to all staff and volunteers whose efforts made this another successful year,” said Romanko.
“I look forward to continuing to serve the Osoyoos community and implementing the directions of council.”
You can visit the Town of Osoyoos website at www.osoyoos.ca.
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
