There was no consensus among Vernon politicians when it came to pursuing funding.
A motion to support the Regional District of North Okanagan’s bid for a federal grant died in a 2-2 tie Monday.
“It doesn’t make much sense,” said Coun. Bob Spiers who opposed the motion with Coun. Catherine Lord.
RDNO wants the federal grant to install water meters that can be read by radio frequency.
Spiers says if the grant proceeds, RDNO’s portion would be $800,000 and the city will contribute most of that.
“We will be on the hook for $560,000 to no benefit of Vernon customers,” he said.
“The ones in Vernon don’t have to be done.”
However, support for the meters came from Councillors Scott Anderson and Dalvir Nahal.
“There will be savings of $250,000 annually in operating costs,” said Anderson of the meters reducing physical workload.
“It’s something in the long-term that will save us money.”
Staff had expressed concern that RDNO’s grant application may create competition for the city’s own federal grant application for sewer extension.
“A community can only submit one application,” said Will Pearce, chief administrative officer, adding that he’s not sure if RDNO is considered a separate community.
“We should protect our application for the extension of sewer services.”
A tie vote occurred because Mayor Akbal Mund and Councillors Juliette Cunningham and Brian Quiring were absent from council Monday.
