Core service reviewers welcome public input

Residents are getting a chance to voice their opinions on Vernon's financial matters while city council is silenced.

KPMG, the company conducting a core services review for the city, is holding a workshop tonight to brainstorm opportunities for tidying up Vernon's financial house.

"We're not allowed to speak," Coun. Mary-Jo O'Keefe says. "This isn't for us."

KPMG presented its recent findings Monday, but it was only a teaser for what's to come. O'Keefe says KPMG will be delivering more details at their next presentation.

"They had some generic, big picture things," O'Keefe says. "And some little things council has already done in the budget."

One of the little things is a hike in parking fees, from 50 cents to a buck an hour. One of the big things, is amalgamation. O'Keefe says the area's districts have to pay out for their independence, and that amalgamating would shrink taxes. She says hearing that from KPMG will leave residents well-informed on the possible money-saver.

During tonight's input session, participants will be split into groups led by a KPMG facilitator. The groups will review the information on city services presented in the service profiles provided by KPMG.

Individuals wishing to participate are asked to register.

Send feedback or suggestions directly to KPMG before or after the session.

The input session will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Vernon Recreation Centre Auditorium.

—Charlotte Helston
chelston@infotelnews.ca
(250)309-5230