Town Council/SVCA

To Comment on this article Click Here

Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) has asked Saugeen Shores for more than $20,000 in this year's budget which is an increase of 7.31 per cent.

The draft levy in 2010 was $277,299 and this year the budgeted levy is $297,959.

Deputy Mayor, Luke Charbonneau, who also sits on the SVCA board as one of Saugeen Shores' representatives, explained that part of the increase was due to the SVCA moving to a larger facility in Formosa.  "There were connection fees for the new facility and, of course, wages and benefits have also gone up."

Vice-Deputy Mayor, Doug Gowanlock, who is the other representative for Saugeen Shores at the SVCA, also pointed out that the actual increase is more like 5.9%. Three per cent (3%) was for the operating costs for the new facility and is a one-time only cost.    "All other municipalities are seeing an increase of approximately three per cent (3%) and I am torn.  We vote according to our participation in the levy and, therefore we hold 18 - 19 percent of the vote.  There are a number of ways to determine municipal contributions but it is basically based on current valuation or assessment for each community and Saugeen Shores' is going up."

Charbonneau pointed out that SVCA is at one per cent (1%) of the municipal budget. 

Councilor Diane Huber asked why the SVCA appears to be so resistant to making profit.

Charbonneau  explained that this SVCA board is all new this year.  "This board is looking at ways of possibly producing revenues, which hasn't been done in the past.  The SVCA isn't interested in undercutting the private sector but we should be making a profit on a consistent basis."

Although conservation authorities are mandated by the Province, funding for them has been downloaded to the municipalities.

"I am not happy with this general increase of 5.9 per cent," said Mayor Mike Smith.  "Although the increase may seem small, it is twice the cost of living.  I would like to see how much this municipality pays to the SVCA on top of the actual levy.  At some point, I think we have to say no to increases."

SVCA representatives Gowanlock and Charbonneau were directed by Council to take its views back to the SVCA board.

Scrolling stops when you move your mouse inside the scroll area.  You can click on the ads for more

Survey Participate in our latest Saugeen Times survey

^{for world news, books, sports, movies ...}

Monday, February 14, 2011