To the Editor:
An increase in tax requisition by KalRec from $58,000 in 2012 to $128,000 for 2013 is a classic example of an organization ignoring the current economic times and using the easy solution of just asking for more tax dollars. The increase is requested in part to fund renovations to the kitchen area in the Kaleden Community Hall. I am all for maintaining and improving your capital assets but this should be done in a manner where you slowly build up your capital reserve fund to be able to afford the project. The kitchen renovation is not like the situation in Okanagan Falls where an opportunity suddenly came up to acquire some park land and a large tax increase was necessary. In the KalRec case the defense given for the increase was the need to match a potential federal grant for the project.
This should never be the driver to proceed on a project unless you already have your own portion of the funding in the bank. Community grants will always be available as long as politicians look to get re-elected.
The entire kitchen renovation project can be questioned, since based on hall rental projections where the enhanced kitchen is a factor cost recovery will likely never occur.
The budgeting of $5,000 for the maintenance of three road ends along the Kaleden lakeshore should also be questioned since this is not at all part of KalRec’s mandate, is not land owned by KalRec or the RDOS, is not wanted by the local Alder Street residents, and is clearly the responsibility of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.
The $16,000 increase in park maintenance for increased caretaker hours is an expensive solution to just better utilizing the hours currently allocated which were more than adequate for a single caretaker four years ago when the park was kept in pristine condition.
Am I also the only person to question the non-budgeted acquisition of a $7,000 audiovisual system for the hall when you do not have the money for the “necessary” kitchen renovations? It may be nice to have but only when you can afford it!
KalRec should be looking to hold the line on spending on projects or improvements which may not be totally necessary. Residents who volunteer for these community organizations should be commended for their commitment to the community. However, with that appointment there is also the fiscal responsibility to the taxpayer.
Len Bzdel, Kaleden