Environmental authorities deliver pitch for increase in funding

By NATHAN TAYLOR Orillia Packet and Times January 14 2011
ORO-MEDONTE TWP. — Environmental authorities have made their pitch for cash to Oro-Medonte Township.
During a meeting Wednesday, council heard from the Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA), Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) and Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA).

All three are asking the township to kick in extra funds this year.
The SSEA is seeking the largest increase of the three groups. Last year, the township contributed $23,797. The request this year is for $29,490.
During his presentation, SSEA executive director Keith Sherman thanked council for its “vote of confidence” in deciding last year to continue with the services provided by the SSEA.
The township previously took another look at the services of both the SSEA and NVCA after concerns about duplication. The result is a tri-party memorandum of understanding between the SSEA, NVCA and township, detailing the services each group will provide. That document has yet to be approved.
“We see the great work that your organization has done, and that’s why we continue to support you,” Coun. John Crawford, who chaired the meeting, told Sherman.
All budget requests are being forwarded to budget meetings for decisions at a later date.
The “main driver” behind the increase in the NVCA’s budget is population growth, CAO Wayne Wilson said.
“There really is no increase for residents, because growth is increasing,” he said, adding that growth rate matches the 3.96% increase in the levy.
That will represent a 1.83% increase for Oro-Medonte. In 2010, the township paid $148,774.88. This year’s request is for $151,503.01.
“It’s basically a maintenance budget,” Wilson said, but noted some would be used to hire new staff and to go toward a Bass Lake stewardship program.
Crawford commended the NVCA for trimming its board membership to 18 members, from 28.
“I believe that that’s a real positive thing. With 28 board members, it’s very awkward,” he said.
The LSRCA is asking for $131,386 from the township. Last year, it requested $128,685, but only received $56,599. The township is able to fund projects it considers priority for Oro-Medonte. Crawford told LSRCA CAO Gayle Wood he appreciated being able to do that.