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100 Mile taxpayers pack town-hall meeting

About 20 people turn up at council chambers for the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) town-hall meeting Jan. 26

100 Mile House Mayor Mitch Campsall said he was "very pleased" to see about 20 people turn up at council chambers for the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) town-hall meeting Jan. 26.

While some came in from outlying areas, Campsall noted that if the turnout had been similar to past years, with only two or three people showing up, in future he would have combined it with another area town-hall meeting.

The CRD's proposed 2012 Budget and Five-Year Financial Plan were discussed, including where and what increases may occur.

CRD environmental services manager Mitch Minchau gave a PowerPoint presentation covering the aspects particular to 100 Mile, while Campsall said he responded during the general discussions.

Comments from the public focused mainly on health care, he noted, especially recruitment of doctors, and bed space in long-term care.

"Recruitment was a big concern and a big worry, and also our hospital beds that are sitting empty [in Fischer Place/Mill Site Lodge] were another big issue.

"We're getting a recruitment team that should be up and running here ... probably within the next three months."

Funding and guidelines are already in place for the team, which will include a manager working with the Interior Health Authority and local doctors, he added.

The combined efforts of the district working together with the CRD was described in the presentation, including the South Cariboo Joint Committee meetings held to examine areas of mutual interest.

Minchau explained cost sharing on recreation facilities and emergency services in the South Cariboo were examples of some of the collaborative efforts.

Campsall said he hoped to go to a referendum to expand recreation this year, and when taxpayers asked him why, he explained going to a South Cariboo plan will allow maintaining aspects not currently funded by the CRD, such as soccer fields and Martin Exeter Hall.

The highest rates per $100,000 of residential assessed value continue to be South Cariboo solid waste management ($54.28) and recreation ($41.93).

The proposed 2012 CRD residential tax rate summary for 100 Mile House was also presented, as compared to 2011.

"Hopefully, next year we'll be a little more specific on what [taxpayers in] the municipality pay, and what it relates to. It's just something we'll expand on and make it better and more informative."

Campsall said this year's targets are a district tax rate at a one per cent increase, and continuing to have funds available for municipal reserves.

Visit the CRD website at www.cariboord.bc.ca to review the town hall presentations posted after each area's meeting.