Town council has decided that a referendum is the best method to seek approval for public funding to operate the Frank Venables Theatre.
At a recent meeting, a motion by Mayor Ron Hovanes to use the alternative approval process (AAP) was soundly defeated. (He fears that funding would not be approved in time if they went with a referendum this fall.)
Under the AAP, electors have 30 days to object to the proposal. If more than 10 per cent of the electors hold this opinion, the Town cannot proceed with the bylaw without holding a referendum.
Annual operational funding has been set to a maximum of $138,000, with the tax rate being 10 cents per $1,000 of assessed value.
Bill Newell, chief administrative officer for the regional district, said they favour the alternative approval process rather than waiting for a referendum at election time in November.
“An election can be controversial, and a referendum can be overshadowed at an election,” Newell said.
He noted if the AAP is not successful in September, they can still go to referendum in November.
Area C director Allan Patton said he was more inclined to have a referendum because it’s easier for the public to have a say. But he was under the impression that a referendum would risk not establishing a budget in time for next year. In that case, he switched his preference to an AAP.
“I prefer an AAP to ensure money is in place to get Frank Venables off the ground this year.”
Councillor Dave Mattes said electors have a right to voice their opinion in a referendum.
“A positive approach is better than a negative approach (AAP). I’ve spoken to people and they want the opportunity to vote,” Mattes said.
Hovanes said an AAP is an approved process that has been used many times in the past.
Newell indicated there should be enough time to establish the budget if a referendum is held in November.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
