Lumby has gone out on its own when it comes to dispersing taxpayers’ money.
The North Okanagan Regional District board has adopted bylaws that remove the village from three functions — Okanagan Symphony Orchestra, the Okanagan Film Commission and St. John Ambulance.
Mayor Kevin Acton says the village wanted out of the functions so it has more control over where its money goes.
“Things are tight in Lumby,” he said, adding that council wants to focus more on Lumby area organizations.
“Someone comes for $800 for a community garden and we squabble about it but then we give money to the film commission or the symphony, which doesn’t have a significant impact on the community.”
Acton says, though, that the symphony, the film commission and St. John Ambulance are worthwhile groups and there is still the possibility that they could receive assistance from village taxpayers.
By not being part of the NORD functions, Acton says the village can require accountability.
“If the film commission wants to do something in Lumby, they can come to us directly,” he said.
“Right now, we’re paying for movies in the South Okanagan.”
