The Essex Region Conservation Authority has presented it's budget for 2017, totalling just over $11-million.
The total levy contribution from member municipalities, which includes the City of Windsor, is about $3-million including an increase of $90,900.
Originally, the increase was $300,000, but General Manager Richard Wyma says the authority was able to shave more than $200,000 from the levy.
"In attempting to strike a balance between meeting the sustainability needs of our community, while recognizing the fiscal realities of our municipal partners, a number of changes have been proposed to our programs, fees, and organizational structure," says Wyma. "The proposed budget attempts to address some of our most pressing changes and improve program delivery -- but will also result in some service delivery impacts."
Some of those changes include a reduction in on-the-ground outreach services, a re-alignment of fundraising responsibilities, and adjusting some operational standards at Holiday Beach Conservation Area.
The budget also includes added capacity to respond to applications for permits and development. It includes working with partners to create a 70 acre wetland cell at Cedar Creek Conservation area and a new 10 acre experimental wetland at Hillman Marsh. There are plans to restore at least 125 acres of land, create an Oldcastle 'hub' to connect greenways to the Herb Gray Parkway Trails, and identifying projects to address phosphorous runoff that results in algal blooms.
The coming year also marks the final year of ERCA's five-year sustainability plan and the elimination of the operating deficit which totalled almost $480,000 five years ago.
The budget still needs county and city council approval.
