The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has designated how to use $773,000 they received in funding from the COVID-19 Safe Restart Funds.
The funding program is a provincial and federal initiative that includes $425 million to help local government operations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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“It is anticipated that COVID-19 will be with us for a while. We cannot determine what awaits us in additional costs,” Jim Zaffino, finance manager at the regional district, said in a report to the board.
All regional districts in the province receive a flat amount of $300,000, with a per capita amount on top. For the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, the per capita amount adds $287,420. A second per capita amount adds another $183,580.
Two per-capital calculations were used for the funding amount.
The funding will be used for a number of initiatives related to the pandemic.
A five-year lease of office and computer space is expected to cost $250,000.
Audio-video conference upgrades come with a cost of $61,500 and network infrastructure upgrades add another $85,000
Board management software is expected to cost $14,900.
Zaffino said the regional district does not have enough space, and a facility needs assessment is expected to cost $30,000. Meeting room space, storage, office configuration and common areas all need to be reviewed.
Corporate office upgrades for COVID-19 protocols will cost $125,000.
In addition, the regional district will hold back $206,600 of the funding for unexpected expenses when needed.
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