For the first time in three years, representatives from the Credit Valley Conservation authority (CVC) came away from a levy presentation in Erin without receiving an earful from councillors.
The numbers presented last week were preliminary, but councillors seemed pleased with the town’s projected levy increase of 3%.
Councillor John Brennan, who in the past has lambasted CVC officials for “insane” annual increases of up to 10%, congratulated the CVC for keeping the levy increase manageable for 2011.
This year the town paid $57,735 total to the CVC and its 2011 proposed levy is $59,510.
“We’re going to try to stay at 3% next year,” said CAO Rae Horst, noting the CVC will dip into its reserves to the tune of $165,000 to achieve that goal. But she cautioned council that “none of this is approved,” adding CVC budget approval is still required.
The actual increase also depends on the total assessment in Erin next year. In 2010 the town is responsible for 0.72% of the total CVC levy of just over $8.06-million, but that portion fluctuates depending on local assessment.
Horst said the town is getting good value for its levy. She explained CVC expenses that benefit the municipality total over $413,000, including: $250,000 for the Rockfort Quarry file, $87,072 for the Erin service and settlement master plan (SSMP), $60,000 for plan reviews, $10,000 for the Elora Cateract Trail, $3,500 for monitoring chemistry and $3,000 for flood warning.
As for special projects within and limited to Erin, restoration and stewardship director Mike Puddister told council the CVC is again seeking additional funding over and above the town’s regular levy.
“This funding request is for grass roots community work,” Puddister said. He did not mention a specific figure – last year he asked for $15,000 – but stressed the funds could possibly help cover important local work such as:
– the West Credit Appreciation, Rehabilitation and Enhancement Project (WeCare);
– the Stream of Dreams program, in which over 1,500 Erin public school students have participated since 2007;
– promotion of long-term sustainability in agriculture (12 projects completed thus far this year in Erin);
– another “interpretive walking tour” of the Woolen Mills Conservation Area during the Doors Open event; and
– another Fast Forward Film Festival (the 2010 festival attracted upwards of 125 people per screening).
Puddister said due to a lack of funding this year, the CVC was unable to provide “Caring for the Credit” workshops (attended by 40 landowners the previous two years). It also will not be able to provide information and advice at the Erin Fall Fair this year and will have to curtail its direct outreach to the local farming community, he added.
Erin council is expected to make a decision during 2011 budget deliberations.
