North Westside residents may soon know if governance options will be investigated.
Director Wayne Carson asked the Regional District of Central Okanagan board Monday to support a governance study, but the matter was deferred until Dec. 12 so staff can present a report.
“Several directors are willing to support it but they want the report first,” said Carson.
The board had asked administration for the report Aug. 22.
One of the issues the report will likely address is how staff-related costs will be covered if a study proceeds. Staff will be needed to provide information to the consultant.
Based on past processes in Lake Country and West Kelowna, Carson believes the entire regional district will pay for any expenses.
The major cost of the study, though, would be paid for by the provincial government.
A Ministry of Community Development representative spoke to the RDCO board Monday for two hours.
Currently, North Westside, with a population of 1,000 to 1,500 people, has one director at the 12-member RDCO board table.
Many North Westside residents have indicated that current structure doesn’t represent their needs because the area is quite a ways from the RDCO office and service costs are growing.
A 700-name petition calling for a study was presented to the district.
“I am hopeful the board will support a study,” said Carson.
“We will have to make a decision next time.”