The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority has finalized its budget for 2017.
General Manager Brian Horner says the first budget they presented to their member municipalities back in October carried an increase of about 5%, which was not acceptable to the municipalities.
They were looking for something around 2%, and that was the budget approved at this week's board meeting.
Horner explains they had to take a small amount of money from reserves to support some projects, but the combined project and general levy is 2% -- primarily to keep pace with inflation.
Horner also says that while municipalities can occasionally hit a target of 0% if they have enough growth in their assessment, conservation authorities don't have that option.
Burkhard Metzgar of Central Huron replaces Mike Tam from West Perth as Chair of the ABCA board. George Irvin representing Bluewater is the new Vice-Chair. (photo by Bob Montgomery)