The referendum question:

Are you in favour of the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen adopting Bylaw No.2660, 2014 to provide for the following:

1. establishing the Venables Theatre Service Area within Electoral Area “C” and the Town of Oliver to provide for the administration and operation of the Frank Venables Theatre

2. annually requisitioning up to a maximum of the greater of $160,000 or $0.14 per $1,000 net taxable value of land and improvements in the service area to pay for the service?”

The $100,000 needed in 2015 would be calculated on the assessed value of properties within Rural Area C and the Town of Oliver.  Mill rate is a function of the assessed value and the amount being requisitioned.

Based on 2014 assessments, to raise $100,000 would result in a residential mill rate of approximately $0.0727.  That means the average household (valued at $248,450) would see an increase of $18.06.

If more money is needed Regional District directors would have to change the mill rate.

The theatre society is definitely going to the public to let them know all the facts as a failure at the polls would be significant.