Regional board to borrow $1.6M for new 911 service

PENTICTON – An upgraded 911 system to the tune of $1.6 million will provide better consistent emergency services for 20 regional fire departments.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen was given the go-ahead to borrow the $1.6 million to pay for the new service. When the RDOS borrows money in this fashion residents can oppose it and force the board to hold a referendum. Only 63 voters opposed the loan process by the July 2 deadline. At least 10 per cent of the 6,884 eligible voters were required.

The new system will allow broader information delivery while keeping a local tactical channel. The board will consider adoption of the 911 emergency service loan at its July 18 regular meeting.

The decision to borrow the $1.6 million had already been budgeted Dale Kronebusch said. The emergency services supervisor said the district has 10 years to pay back the money. The payments might be offset by the $300,000 in savings the district received by moving the fire dispatch service to Kelowna.

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