Essex Region Conservation Authority Board of Directors BD44/19

Summary

 The 2020 Budget totals $10,576,317, which includes a total levy contribution of $3,386,667. This represents an increase of $148,000, or $0.49 per person ($10.00 to $10.49 per person) though the actual cost per household ($250,000) decreased by $0.12 to $19.57.

 A robust suite of high priority projects and programs to protect and restore the natural environment of the region will be undertaken. These include programs to increase habitat and forest cover, maintain and expand conservation areas and trails, aid our member municipalities in protecting people and infrastructure from the dangers of flooding and erosion particularly in the era of a changing climate, and to provide meaningful education and engagement opportunities for our residents.

 The proposed levy increase amount is primarily a result of the decrease in provincial transfer payments relating to the Flood Forecasting program ($98,000) and costs associated with human resources. However, no new FTEs are included in this budget and some staffing positions will remain unfilled due to consideration of municipal budgets and respective pressures.

 ERCA was able to minimize levy increase with confirmed funding related to the Windsor Essex Climate Change Collaborative (WEC3) and the development of a County Municipal Energy Plan, continued support from the province for the JRPH Community Museum Operating Grant and confirmed funding related to Source Water Protection, DRCC and watershed research that will partially offset permanent