The budget for 2015 has been approved by directors of the OPRS and will be sent to Directors of the Regional District ( Area C and Town of Oliver ) for review.

This new budget calls for expenditures in the amount of $1,664, 639 compared with $1,551,650 in the current year. $1 million of this requisitioned from taxpayers with balance in user fees/expenditures from reserves.

The OPRS directors told that there is 0% increase in operational cost with all proposed increases in capital costs. Zero percent despite a 2% proposed increase in labour costs but balanced by increased revenue from users.

Capital budget amounts allocated for weight room reconfiguration, skateboard park upgrades, shade structures and landscaping in the main park west of community stage, irrigation improvements with a total list of expenditures:

$244,500 most coming from the pool and parks reserves.

Arena and hall reserves not well funded so an increase on a taxpayer requisition is expected.

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A delegation of about 15 users of the Parks Weight Room/Exercise Centre were on hand for Monday’s meeting requesting the following:

Expand weight room to south or use Room 2 –  requesting purchase of more equipment – used or otherwise.

Directors indicated the weight room has been discussed for two years and management in process of upgrading security/entrance and equipment. But no expansion of building or space anticipated at this time. Directors told that Cactus Tree Gym closing soon with about 15 people affected. OPRS Manager Carol Sheridan says she has met with owner of Cactus Tree and three items of interest have come to her attention for possible purchase depending on price and warranty considerations.

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Work on the roof of the Arena storage annex (maintenance shop) is complete at a cost of $11,500 with work done by Interior Roofing.