Update: Grand Forks council changes mind on aquatic center spending limit. Click here.
A request for an extra 25 per cent to operate the Grand Forks Aquatic Center is not sitting well with city council.
It turned down the ask this week (March 17) to give the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary the authority to spend up to nearly $977,000 a year to operate the facility.
The RDKB was previously authorized to spend up to $781,250.
Councillor Rod Zielinski says there needs to be conversation with the RDKB.
“The reality is we’re just funders of their buildings and funding the aquatic center to two-thirds as opposed to the regional district can’t go on. Either we’re partners or we’re just digging in our pockets and we can afford so much,” Zielinski said.
Others on council criticized the regional district for the last minute request with little explanation.
“I’m not happy with being given a 25 per cent resolution and not having someone here to discuss it with us, even though we got some additional information,” Councillor Deborah said.
“I think 25 per cent is too high and I don’t like it being given to me at the last minute,” she added.
With the proposed increase nearly a million dollars, Councillor David Mark is also concerned about the percentage-based increases which get larger as the dollar amounts get higher.
The only council member supporting the request was Mayor Everett Baker.
Council is expected to hold a special meeting soon to tackle the request again.
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