NVCA looks to make smaller board size permanent
The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority’s (NVCA) pilot project which was to reduce the size of its board of directors from 27 to 18 is at an end this month, and in its place is a move to make it permanent.
The NVCA board meets this Friday, and a recommenation from its outgong CAO Gayle Wood, sets out the process to inform all its member municipalities and seek support to maintain the size at 18 – one representative from each of the watershed communities. But there would remain a weighted vote for budget issues.
A reduced board composition only saves the NVCA $12,500 annually in per diems, but it’s being justified as an efficiency move.
In this case, all 27 members will be invited back to vote on the permanent move. Unanimous support from each of the municipalities is required. In case it fails, it’s estimated that at least $50,000 would be required to hire additional staff to support the 27 member board.
In the meantime, the board will remain at 18 until the NVCA hears back from each community.
I agree with the smaller board size, but I’m totally against the weighted voting system.
Why should one board member’s vote have more power than another?
Each vote should be equal.