Cariboo Regional District (CRD) Area H Director Margo Wagner has changed the date of the public information meeting regarding the “leaky roof” issue at the Forest Grove Community Hall to Dec. 2, starting at 7 p.m.
The meeting will be in conjunction with the monthly regular meeting for the Forest Grove and District Recreation Society (FGDRC), she says.
“At this meeting, I'm looking for input into a possible parcel tax increase from $10.26 to a maximum of $15. The bylaw for this function allows for a parcel tax of $20, so we continue to be less than what the bylaw will allow without going to a referendum.”
The community hall is owned by the FGDRC, but is given some operating capital from the collection of a parcel tax throughout Area H.
This process has been in place since 2005, and is solely for the purpose of paying all or a portion of insurance, utilities, renovations and repairs to that hall, Wagner explains.
“There has been no increase in the nine years, and as I am sure all of you are aware, the cost of utilities have gone up by at least 40 per cent during that time. This leaves the [FGDRC] with less money for those much-needed repairs and renovations.”
The executive is doing all it can to access grant money, and has been able to access some Green Initiative funds from the CRD to update the lighting with more efficient bulbs, she says, but as we all know, grants are not as easy to obtain as they once were.
The Area H director adds the roof over the curling rink and the corral have some considerable leaks, which are causing damage to the roof in both areas, and brown patches to show up on the ice.
Noting the Forest Grove Lions spent countless hours getting the curling rink running again last year, with considerable funds from grants, Wagner says the FGDRC executive has estimates on the cost of fixing these leaks, both by doing it in stages or all of it at the same time.
“I know nobody likes tax increases, and I will not go ahead with this proposed increase of under $5 per parcel if the majority of people I hear from are against it.
“So please take the time to come to the meeting where you can learn more details, or let me know one way or the other by e-mail at mwagner@cariboord.bc.ca, or phone 250-397-0016 or 250-706-0639, so I can make an informed decision on behalf of the property owners in Area H.