Grand Forks has changed its mind on funding the Grand Forks and District Aquatic Center.
City council originally turned down a request from the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary for a 25 per cent increase to the spending limit.
But council reversed its decision during a special meeting Friday (March 21).
The change came after assurances from RDKB CEO Mark Andison the city would still have control of the budget.
“It’s not locking anyone into any budget increases. It’s just providing you with the flexibility should the two participants – Area D and the City of Grand Forks – want to increase the requisition. It is completely at the discretion of the participants in any given year,” Andison explained.
The CEO added both parties would need unanimous consent to approve the aquatic center budget each year.
The budget limit will now be nearly $977,000 a year – up from just over $781,000.
Councillor Christine Thompson, a former chief financial officer, said increasing the spending limit was a “good budgeting practice.”
Some other councillors were still grumbling about the tactics of the RDKB with Councillor Zack Eburne-Stoodley saying the requisition being dropped on council at the last minute while it’s finalizing the budget was “in bad taste.”
Some on council were concerned not approving the spending increase would lead to service cuts at the facility.
Grand Forks pays about two-thirds of the aquatic center expenses. The cost is divided between Grand Forks and Area D based on property values.
The aquatic center is looking at a 13.93 per cent increase this year compared to 2024.
In a related matter at the council meeting, Councillor Rod Zielinski tabled a motion to remove himself as the city liaison for the Grand Forks and District Recreation Commission.
The position will now be held by Councillor Deborah Lafleur.
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