Angie Mindus
Staff Writer
The Cariboo Regional District is launching its series of town hall meetings next week.
The meetings, which are an annual event, are held by the CRD to gather public input into the upcoming budget and five-year financial plan, and to also give residents an opportunity to touch base with directors on what they feel are some of the keys issues in their areas.
“We’re really looking forward to it and we’re hoping folks will come out,” said CRD chair Al Richmond.
This year’s meetings are also a little different than in past years, Richmond said, as they are starting before the making of a provisional budget.
Last year CRD residents experienced a zero per cent tax increase in the budget. Richmond said typically they aim to keep tax increases as low as possible, and always no more than two per cent.
Richmond said the CRD’s largest expense is solid waste management, which they are finding efficiencies in to reduce cost and reduce their environmental footprint while improving services.
The first meeting kicks off Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. at the Lac La Hache Community Hall with Area G Director Al Richmond.
Area F Director Joan Sorley will host her town hall meeting at the Big Lake Community Hall Sept. 30 at 7 p.m.
Area E Director Bryron Kemp will host his meeting Sept. 30 at Mountview Elementary.
Area J Director Roger William will host a town hall meeting Oct. 1 at Anahim Lake Community Hall, while Area K Director Chad Mernett will host a meeting Oct. 2 at 7 p.m.
Area D Director Deb Bischoff will host a town hall meeting at McLeese Lake Community Hall Oct. 5 at 1 p.m.
And lastly, Mayor Kerry Cook will host a town hall meeting at the WK Council Chambers Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.
The Cariboo Regional District currently provides more than 100 local government services to taxpayers including fire protection, land-use planning, solid waste management, and invasive plant management as well as access for residents to libraries and recreation facilities.