Some money is already rolling in to cover an outstanding bill at O’Keefe Ranch.
The BX-Swan Lake and BX-Silver Star electoral areas will contribute a total of $2,500 towards the $15,000 to $20,000 in fees the ranch owes the North Okanagan Regional District for installation of a water line.
“That organization helps the entire area and the ranch needs help to become viable,” said Mike Gavinchuk, BX-Swan Lake director, who is giving $1,500.
“Everyone benefits if the ranch is a going concern.”
BX-Silver Star director Mike Macnabb is providing $1,000.
O’Keefe Ranch has asked NORD to waive the fees related to extending the Duteau Creek water source to the Spallumcheen property.
Bylaws prevent the fees from being waived so alternatives for covering the costs are being considered.
The options include using $4,600 in the economic development fund, individual jurisdictions contributing money or the Greater Vernon water utility absorbing the bill.
The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, which oversees the utility, is asking all North Okanagan jurisdictions to contribute financially.
However, the three other electoral areas will not follow the lead set by their BX counterparts.
“I have a lot of needs in my electoral area that I support,” said Herman Halvorson, rural Enderby director.
The other two electoral areas are Cherryville and rural Lumby.
Coldstream and Vernon councils will consider the possibility of providing funds for O’Keefe Ranch’s water line fees Monday.
