Cash, expenses higher than thought

Town revenues were higher than expected last year in Lake Country, but so too was municipal spending.

The town of 14,000 people took in a total of $46.4 million compared to expected revenues of $38.8 million.

Higher-than-forecast payments from developers account for most of the extra revenue, town councillors will hear next Tuesday.

On the other side of the municipal ledger, total expenses were more than 3% above budget, at $25.4 million compared to the predicted spending of

$24.6 million.

“There are several factors for being over-budget, including amortization that exceeded budget estimate amounts as well as unexpected expenses to fix water-main break and complete work on behalf of a developer,” reads part of a report to council by finance director Tanya Garost.

Overall, town manager Alberto De Feo writes in the report, Lake Country is “in a strong financial position, which provides the ability to face a challenging situation such as the current pandemic impact.”

Town spending was over-budget in six of the eight main municipal divisions, and under the forecasted expense in the other two.

The biggest discrepancy on a percentage basis, at 12% over budget, was in environmental services, with the processing of sewage costing more than expected last year. Costs were also higher in the protective services due to an increase in officer wages and the detachment having to deal with more prisoners than expected last year.

The town has more than 150 full-time employees. None have been laid off during the pandemic.

“We’re still providing all the operations and services we have to do,” Mayor James Baker said in mid-April. “The whole aspect of layoffs doesn’t apply in our situation. . . We don’t have excess people to lay off.”

Creekside Theatre aims for July re-opening

Public use of the Creekside

Theatre in Lake Country will likely resume in July, but with events limited to 40 people, as the town of Lake Country plots a cautious re-opening of municipal facilities.

The town hall will open to the public on Tuesday after the Victoria Day long weekend, though general access will be possible only on the ground floor with by-appointment visits to offices and departments on the second floor.

As with other local governments in the Central Okanagan, some outdoor recreational facilities are opening today in Lake Country.

Tennis and pickleball courts have re-opened, as has the skateboard park, but the arena, curling rink, and all playgrounds remain closed.

Details on the municipality’s emergence from restrictions imposed because of the COVID-19 pandemic are detailed in a report going to council next Tuesday.

“As this is an enduring and unpredictable situation, we will have to remain alert and flexible and prepared to re-evaluate and adapt at a moment's notice,” the report states.

For the re-opening of the town hall, Plexiglass barriers have been placed at all public counters, enhanced cleaning protocols have been implemented, and hand sanitizers are available throughout the building.

Limited use of the Creekside Theatre will likely resume in April subject to provincial approval, the report states. First use is expected to be made by groups like churches and dance companies, the report says.

“Theatre events and shows will most likely commence in some fashion in the fall, staying in strict accordance with the maximum number of people and increased protocols for district facilities,” the report says.

There are no immediate plans to re-open Lake Country’s art gallery and museum and the popular ArtWalk, a show and sale of original art pieces, that normally occurs in early September has been cancelled for this year.