Rural Area C Director Allan Patton this afternoon attempted to get the Regional District to cut the proposed budget by $44,000 but failed to get that rubber stamped.

Director Patton told the RDOS board that his budget for rural costs was to high (increase of 10.35%) and sought to have the Heritage joint function reduced by $10,000 and the Parks and Recreation joint function lowered by $34,000.

Municipal Director Ron Hovanes said there are some differences of opinion on how to fund the operations budget for the Venables Theatre but the two joint partners had until March to hammer out a deal and it would be premature to make cuts now without consent of all concerned.

Hovanes also stated his council gave firm orders – no cuts to the budgets of heritage and parks.

Summerland Mayor Janice Perrino said this move to cut a budget at first reading was “way out of line” at this late hour without any notice.

Directors from Princeton to Naramata sided with approving the presented budget and taking it to the public for consultation in the new year. (see earlier story)

CAO Bill Newell told directors that the RDOS had enough authority to do this budget for the Venables Theatre for 2014 but public assent maybe needed to initiate a new joint function for 2015.

Mayor Hovanes stated “the funding partners need to come together” on this matter before March and listening to the public should be next in the process.