Dear Editor:
We need a new fire hall in the Town of Osoyoos.
But, in no way, should we double the town’s debt to pay for one building, especially in a town our size.
We just cannot afford it at this time.
The proposed tax increase would be so incredible for a population of 4,800, of which more than 50 per cent are residents on a fixed income.
It would be outrageous to expect those people who struggle each month to meet their financial obligations towards this project.
We must also remember that the interest rate as proposed by town staff will not stay at 3.3 per cent and no one knows what the rate will be in a few years from now.
We don’t believe that we should be accommodating those few who support this project at this price, while all of us will have to pay for it.
We seriously think that this issue should go to a public referendum so that all of the people of Osoyoos can have a say in this very large project with very large expense.
The referendum can only happen if 474 signatures from registered voters are obtained by using the Alternative Approval Process (AAP) that has been approved by council and is presently being circulated within the community.
We urge local residents to sign the petition before October 3.
We thank you for allowing us to share our opinion with the residents of Osoyoos.
Ray Vandenberg and Jean Clarke
Osoyoos, B.C.
