The Cariboo Regional District has been officially informed by the City of Williams Lake that it has reneged on its most recent offer for fire protection services for Williams Lake fringe area residents.
This written offer was the foundation for the recent Williams Lake Fringe Fire Protection Referendum held on Nov, 24, 2012, the CRD said in a press release issued Friday night.
"The Cariboo Regional District is taking every step to ensure that fire protection services for rural fringe residents do not lapse including, if necessary, legal action. The CRD is now considering alternative options to make sure affected Williams Lake fringe residents receive fire protection services at a reasonable cost, including developing its own fire department to serve the affected areas," the release noted.
A public information meeting will be scheduled early in Jan. 2013, to provide updated information and seek input from residents.
The proposed agreement, and resulting bylaw, which was adopted by the board at its regular meeting Dec. 14, was based upon a five-year term.
"The City has now provided a new offer for fire protection services at the maximum rate of $147/$100,000 of residential assessment for affected rural residents. Based on 2012 assessments, city residents will continue to pay approximately $74/$100,000," the CRD press release noted.
As updates are received, they will be posted on the CRD website at cariboord.bc.ca and on the CRD’s Facebook page at facebook.com/caribooregion.
The City said Monday evening it has received further correspondence from the CRD, which council will consider Tuesday evening in a closed meeting.