Referendum date set on loans for new fire trucks in Miocene, Interlakes

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

Referendums are being scheduled for the Miocene and Interlakes areas to authorize loans for new fire trucks. On November 4, 2023, voters will be asked to cast their vote and decide on how funds will be borrowed to purchase new fire trucks.

Interlakes residents are being asked to cast their vote on a proposal to borrow up to $1.9 million through three separate loans each financed over ten years to purchase three new water trucks for the Interlakes Volunteer Fire Department. These vehicles will reach their end of life over the next five years and must be replaced to maintain the department’s certification with the Fire Underwriters Survey. If approved, residential taxation for fire protection would increase by up to $54.27 per $100,000 assessed value, or approximately 41%, to fund total borrowing costs of over $2.3 million.

Miocene residents are being asked to vote on a proposal to borrow up to $800,000 over the next ten years to finance the replacement of a pumper truck. This vehicle will reach its end of life in 2024 and must be replaced for similar reasons. If approved, residential taxation for fire protection would increase by up to $22.15 per $100,000, or 18%, to finance total borrowing costs of approximately $1 million.

If the votes cast defeat the proposal, then the regional district will need to finance the purchases over a five-year term. Fire trucks in both departments must be replaced to maintain the departments’ fire insurance rating, which could impact resident’s property insurance rates. While shorter borrowing terms does not require elector approval, it would have a much larger yearly taxation impact than the proposed ten-year borrowing. Fire protection taxation in Interlakes would need to increase by up to $92.71 per $100,000 (over 124%) for three five-year loans, while a 38% increase ($29.14 per $100,000) would be required in Miocene for one loan.

The regional district will be distributing information by mail directly to households within both fire protection areas, which will include further details about the proposed borrowing and voting information. For more information on the proposals and voting opportunities, residents can visit the referendum websites through the links below, or call the Cariboo Regional District’s Chief Elections Officer at 1-800-665-1636.

Interlakes fire trucks referendum information: www.cariboord.ca/interlakes-fire-truck

Miocene fire trucks referendum information: www.cariboord.ca/miocene-fire-truck