The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is considering changing the way they dole out Columbia Basin Trust Community Initiatives funding — and if they do, that could mean a loss of $8,185 in funding for Castlegar.
Carolyn Rempel, director of corporate services for the city, recommended city staff advise the RDCK that Castlegar is not in favour of changing the formula.
Currently, the funding formula uses a blend of population numbers and assessment. The change would see population used only.
“It was an intense debate at the Regional District [meeting],” said Coun. Kirk Duff, who was acting mayor at the board of directors meeting earlier this month.
“I don’t think the board is expecting in hearing anything different from us.”
Nine municipalities and 11 rural areas receive funding from the initiative. If the formula is changed, Castlegar and Nelson’s amounts would decrease, while every other area would increase.
If the funding is cut, it wouldn’t be reflective until 2012, Mayor Lawrence Chernoff said.
This year’s proposals were due earlier this week.
A public meeting for community input and comment on the proposals will be on April 19 at 6 p.m. in the Community Forum, and council will bring forward a recommendation of disbursement of funding to the May 2 council meeting.