Dear Editor:
Regarding last week’s article by Thom Barker (“Showdown Brewing in Orkney,” Yorkton This Week, September 28, 2016), Dale and Gord Rhinas were not hand picked to run in the last election. They took it upon themselves to run and hopefully make some positive changes and improve accountability. Our roads have seen improvements and looking at our financial statement it appears they have been able to make a difference.
The article also failed to mention a number of other serious issues. For example, since April 2010, the R.M of Orkney has been charging a fire levy ($250,000/year) upon residents and businesses within a five mile radius of Yorkton, primarily Division 1, for fire fighting services in addition to regular taxes.
I have contacted residents in other divisions and they do not pay any fire levy. Some of the other divisions have fire fighting services provided by Melville, Springside and Ebenezer. I am assuming these fees come from general revenue. Perhaps there are no fees.
This issue was brought forth to council’s attention since 2015. They have yet to respond, other than to say they will be forming a committee to look into it.
Please come to the next council meeting, Oct. 13, 2016, 8:30 a.m., to hear what is being presented regarding the unfairness of this levy/taxation and hear council respond.
Please note that councillors in Divisions 2 – 6, voted against discussing this issue at the April 13, 2016 ratepayers meeting. In addition, Reeve Dale Rhinas agreed we could discuss the issues at the September 2016 meeting, the group of five, as I like to call them, said we couldn’t.
Next week I will be providing more issues, which hopefully can be addressed at the upcoming council meeting.
Joe Zarowny
R.M. Orkney resident
