Wednesday November 21, 2012 www.saobserver.net $1.05 GST INcluded
Hazardous fumes spark evacuation
Salmon Arm Fire Department Hall 3 firefighter and rescue team member Troy Cook checks out Hall 4 rescue team member Tyler Stevenson’s hazmat suit. The department responded to a call of a strong chemical smell at the Seventh Day Adventist Church at 3270 60th Ave. NE shortly after 9 a.m. yesterday. A leaking jug of paint thinner was discovered in a small, upper-floor room and a one-metre section of the floor that had been liberally soaked was removed. Students were immediately evacuated and sent home. BC Ambulance personnel checked one teacher as a precaution. JAMeS MurrAy/OBSeRVeR
Municipal taxes rise slightly
City of Salmon Arm: Council trims budget, finalizes increase at 1.48 per cent over last year.
By Martha Wickett OBSeRVeR STAFF
city council delved into the city’s 2013 budget Monday, trying to find ways to whittle down a proposed 1.94 per cent tax increase. After a long day of deliberations they had some success, winding up with a 1.48 per cent increase for taxpayers. Their work came after city department heads had gone through their individual departments’ finances, slicing and dicing where they could. Monica dalziel, the city’s chief financial officer, told council Monday morning the good news regarding the proposed budget was that it contained no increase to the water and sewer levies, or
recycling and garbage collection, and the transportation parcel tax would remain the same. She also said the budget contained an increase to building department revenues of $80,000, reflecting those associated with the anticipated Smartcentres development. She said associated tax revenues from the development would not accrue to the city until 2014. contacted following the deliberations, the comments of mayor and councillors who could be reached touched on similar themes. Mayor Nancy cooper noted the policing budget increased more than the city had expected. It jumped by $178,500 – $170,000 of which came from an RcMP
‘e’ division directive, not from the local detachment. “It has nothing to do with the guys here – it keeps going up. To me it’s the system we need to
in the downtown which was encouraged in part by a 10-yearold girl; upgrading of the dog park at canoe Beach; putting money in reserve for the recre-
ers to improve the intersection of 50th Street and the Trans-canada Highway at the entrance to canoe. Several councillors said they were pleased with commitments It (the police budget) has nothing to do with the to the Shuswap district Arts guys here – it keeps going up. To me it’s the system council/Shuswap Art Gallery we need to look at… It’s how do we change the Association – $35,000 for three years – and the Shuswap Trail Alsystem? liance – $40,000 for three years. “It gives them sustained operational funding, guaranteed,” said Nancy Cooper coun. chad eliason, pointing to Salmon arm mayor ongoing provincial and federal government downloading, comlook at… It’s how do we change ation centre while applying for a bined with cuts to gaming grants the system?” grant, partnering with the Salm- for organizations. She pointed to budget items she on Arm chamber of commerce Harrison, too, was pleased with is pleased were included, such as for a pullout and signage for the the allocations. the Fourth Street Revitalization industrial park; and partnering See Budget on page A2 construction Project; recycling with the province and develop-
This week The Christmas kettle campaign begins and the need is greater than ever. See A8. An outdoor adventurer shares his tales in a multi-media presentation. See A21 for more.
Index Opinion ....................... A4 View Point .................. A5 Life & Times ............... A8 Sports................... B1-B3 Arts & Events ....... B4-B5 Time Out..................... B6 Vol. 105, No.47, 48 pages