Modification of SRD Agreement with Cortes Community Halls

Roy L Hales/Cortes Currents - In 2020, the Strathcona Regional Regional District SRD entered into a core funding agreement with the Southern Cortes Community Association  (SCCA) and Whaletown Community Club to support Mansons and Gorge Halls. Up to $80,000 a year could be used from Cortes Island’s property taxes. This agreement is due to expire on March 31, 2025. Staff is proposing that the new agreement include a new paragraph stating “The Regional District may contribute funds for capital expenditures at its sole discretion.” This would, for example, allow the SRD to use Gas Tax funding to finance renovations or purchase new equipment. This is a grant and would not cost Cortes Island taxpayers any money. In all other respects, the terms and conditions of the original agreement would carry on into the next. At the Wednesday October 30, 2024 SRD Boad meeting, Regional Director Mark Vonesh of Cortes Island moved The new contract will include the phrase allowing the SRD to use additional sources of funding for capital expences.