Dear Editor,
My question is addressed to every citizen in Creston. Yes no doubt we need a new fire hall. Yes we want our firefighters to be safe. Yes we want our community to be safe. But in my opinion, the real question is “Can we afford another 5.3 or 6.1 million dollars of debt?” Paraphrasing the Mayor’s words in yesterday’s Town Council meeting- The referendum is not about the fire hall’s design, size or location. It is a borrowing referendum.
If you say NO to borrowing the money, it does not mean we will not get a new fire hall. It means that we will not add an additional 5.3 or 6.1 million dollars to our debt. We could instead, as a community, fund raise and apply for various government grants and research other sources of money that may be available.
It’s my understanding from the 2016 SOFI document on the Town website that the Town is currently carrying over 5.7 million dollars of long-term debt. With the tax base being 90% residential, that’s already a heavy burden is on the taxpayers. Doubling our debt is NOT fiscally prudent. Please vote NO in the referendum and let Town Council know you want them to come back with a more AFFORDABLE proposal for a new fire hall.
Respectfully,
Debbie Cherkas
Creston, BC
