A proposed new $7.9-million fire hall in Osoyoos comes under public scrutiny this week.

A forum on the project will be held Thursday at the Sonora Community Centre starting at 7:30 p.m. Town and fire department officials will provide information on the project, including full financial details and why a new fire hall is needed. A question period will also be held.

The session comes as electors decide whether to force a referendum on the project. The total cost of the New Fire Hall is $7,978,575, the construction portion is $6,619,800, which includes a 10% contingency allowance,  with funding coming from the Osoyoos Rural Fire Protection District $250,000 and UBCM Gas Tax Grant $407,143 and the balance of $5,962,657 through long term borrowing.

The debt payments will be shared between the Town of Osoyoos, Osoyoos Rural Fire Protection District and Osoyoos Indian Band. Estimated cost to average single family resident: ◾Estimated mill rate 0.2748 (class 1 residential) ◾Average single family residence assessed value for improvements $170,320 ◾Increase of $46.80 per average single family residence in taxes in the Town of Osoyoos.

All alternative approval process elector response forms must be received by the Corporate Officer, 8707 Main Street, Box 3010, Osoyoos, B.C., V0H 1V0 on or before 4:30pm on October 3, 2014 to be considered.

The number of electors of the Town of Osoyoos is estimated to be 4,740. If 10% (474) of the estimated number of electors of the Town of Osoyoos sign an Alternative Approval Process Elector Response Form opposing the noted transactions, Town Council will not be able to proceed without then receiving the assent of the electors by referendum.