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Saugeen Shores Council rejects SVCA draft budget |
Town Council
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It's budget time for municipalities and, each year, the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) budget increase request is raked over the coals by Town Council in Saugeen Shores and, this year, was no exception. Saugeen Shores SVCA representatives, Deputy Mayor Luke Charbonneau and Vice-Deputy Mayor Doug Gowanlock, brought a request to council for what amounts to an 11 per cent increase or $32,617 over 2011 in the SVCA 2012 draft budget. Each of the 15 municipalities that fall within the SVCA jurisdiction, contribute an assessed percentage based on each community's current value assessment: Arran-Elderslie 2.5; Brockton 8.4192; Chatsworth 3.0012; Grey Highlands 4.2627; Hanover 7.3870; Howick 0.2030; Huron-Kinloss 5.9857; Kincardine 18.5609; Minto Town 2.5987; Morris-Turnberry 0.1433; Saugeen Shores 21.7106; South Bruce 4.3947; Southgate 5.5577; Willington North 3.6493 and West Grey 11.6143 "To have to pay a higher percentage is a good and bad thing," says Charbonneau. "It means that the municipality is very successful and continues to see growth. We saw significant funding cuts from the government of the day in 1995 and that has not changed. The government wants us to maintain conservation but they don't want to contribute to it." "In the last eight to 10 years, we have accepted increases from the SVCA with no increase in service," said Mayor Mike Smith. "There is not one of us around this table who would put an 11% increase in any of our budgets. We have to seriously look at whether we are doing the right thing. We get complaints about the Authority all the time from small landowners who are not happy with it." "There is a very new board this year (SVCA)," said Charbonneau. "I am one of three returning directors, everyone else is knew. The new chair wants to see the Authority streamlined. We can tap our reserves but, over time, if we continue to do that we will drive ourselves out of business. . This budget is a reality. The SVCA is already understaffed and the public complains at the slowness. The only other solutions are to cut staff, cut services such as removing picnic shelters from our parks or sell off our assets. "There is no fat in the staffing," added Gowanlock. "If there are cuts to jobs, that will translate into reductions in services. Saugeen Shores has seen considerable growth and, therefore, our increase is the largest because we have done so well. It is very unfair that a rural partner in Ontario is subsidizing the cities in areas such as flood control." According to Gowanlock, there is talk at the SVCA board about divesting of assets or changing how we manage them. Councilor Taun Frosst asked if is was possible to look at user fee increases. "The users are paying more now than the municipalities. The bigger the fees the less likely the users will apply. We are trying to strike a balance." "I feel it's time we made a statement to the Authority," added Councilor Diane Huber. "I cannot believe we are expected to agree to an 11% increase." "I know there is a point where user fees will discourage some things going through the SVCA but maybe we should be looking at these things anyway," said Councilor Fred Shildroth. "Our landfill, for instance, has become self-sustaining."
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"All our user fees have already increased," Gowanlock pointed out. "Our campgrounds are not run nearly as well as this municipality's and with a lesser degree of service. Maybe it's time we got back to our core of flood control and safety." "Every year this is a problem" added Councilor Taun Frosst. "This board has to take a hard line before coming to council's budget discussions. Every year, it is the same thing." "Why do we have four full planning units in two counties" added Mayor Mike Smith. "I am not going to tell you how to vote and I do not think you (Charbonneau & Gowlanlock) should be bound by what this council tells you. You are our representatives at the Authority but you should take our views back." Saugeen Shores final budget will come before Committee of the Whole in February. Scrolling stops when you move your mouse inside the scroll area. You can click on the ads for more
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