Though costs are going up, the local impact of the Grand River Conservation Authority levy increase will not be overwhelming.
As Puslinch council reviewed the proposed GRCA levy increase of 2.5 per cent, councillor Wayne Stokley said he was pleased the increase to the Puslinch portion will be less than that – 2.14%.
Stokley’s concern was not with the GRCA, but the fact that government grants are being further reduced. He considered it another example of government downloading costs which municipalities will have to pick up down the line.
“Even looking at the general revenue – it’s almost down 4% and they are having to draw so much on their reserves,” he aid. “It’s going to be a problem in the future and is obviously something the GRCA has talked about.”
Stokley contended this could create a major cost in the future if the province keeps on downloading costs.
Mayor Dennis Lever said the GRCA and other conservation authorities have been approaching the province for a number of years. He agreed the current funding model is not sustainable over the long-term and the costs are being passed back to the municipalities.
“The province is not in a good situation when it comes to funding either. It’s not likely there is any light at the end of the tunnel,” said Lever.
He added the funding model of the conservation authorities needs to be “reworked.” He also agreed the GRCA is using its reserves for some of its projects.
While the 2014 increase is low, Lever said the average cost per person in the watershed is about $10, but in Puslinch it is closer to $15.
“We’re still paying a disproportionate share based on our population, because costs are allocated according to assessments,” said Lever.
