Times-Chronicle Staff
Oliver town council is struggling to find its way in deciding whether the town can afford its contribution of $83,000 as part of a proposed $500,000 grant for three new kiosks and 10 signs.
The sign initiative relates to the Active Transportation Downtown Beautification and Wayfinding report by EcoPlan and accompanying survey results, where more than 60 per cent of the respondents encouraged the town to create more wayfinding kiosks and directional signage.
The $83,000 represents 30 per cent of the project cost the town would have to contribute toward the total amount.
A tight budget from a modest tax base can make decision-making complicated, even where the town is scheduled to receive 70 per cent of the project costs in grant funds.
The complicating issue for the town is that this particular grant application is due on March 31, before the town has put forth its budget for next year. For instance, if the grant application was successful, the town would receive about $417,000 with the stipulation that the town would have to complete a payout obligation of $83,000 without knowing if it can afford it.
Chief Financial Officer Elma Hamming anticipates a surplus coming forward that may afford the town’s $83,000 obligation.
Council discussed the possibility of other grant avenues around similar initiatives such as expanding trails and other walkability projects.
