Dear Editor:
Let’s talk about money.
This is as we see it when it comes to the proposed new fire hall for the Town of Osoyoos.
Our present council wants us to borrow another $6.6 million for the fire hall, but we should remember that in the very near future, the new Osoyoos Museum will be moving into its new home in the current Home Building Centre on Main Street.
The new museum will require significant dollars to upgrade that facility to accommodate their needs.
How much you may ask?
We guess it will be in the $1-$2 million bracket and local taxpayers will be responsible for footing the bill.
We should also remember that when our town’s population reaches 5,000, which is expected in the very near future, that local taxpayers will need to pay for 70 per cent of RCMP service instead of the current 30 per cent and that will cost local taxpayers about another $1 million per year.
The current council believes that we, the taxpayer, have deep pockets.
At this rate, those of us on a fixed income will be hit very hard as all of the money we have set aside for a rainy day will be gobbled up in municipal taxes.
As we have said before, it’s outrageous to think we can afford such a debt at this time.
We really appreciate allowing us to share our views on these important matters.
Ray Vandenberg and Jean Clarke
Osoyoos, B.C.
Editor’s Note: Former town councillor Ray Vandenberg announced last week he will be running for mayor of Osoyoos in the upcoming November 15 municipal election, while his life partner Jean Clarke has announced her intentions to run for a seat on town council.
