Heather Wright/The Independent

The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority says it needs a nearly six per cent increase in funding in 2025. And that’s not sitting well with some members of the board.

Ken Phillips, general manager of the conservation authority, gave the board members preliminary estimates for the 2025 document Thursday.

This year, the authority is spending $11,231,089 with about $1.61 million coming directly from the 17 member municipalities. That’s expected to rise to $1.7 million this year, an increase of $95,605 in total or 5.9 per cent. 

Phillips says wages – at $73,550 more – a compensation review – estimated at $30,000 – the replacement of a server system and computers for $37,000, cyber security costs, and $32,227 in general operating costs are among the reasons for the proposed increases. 

Plympton-Wyoming Councillor Kristin Rodrigues says she appreciates everything the conservation authority does, but there is no appetite for increases at the municipal level.

“We’re facing a lot of financial pressure within our communities…there is a strong message that we look to be more restrained in our fiscal responsibilities,” she said. 

Rodrigues added with a higher cost of living bumped up by food, housing and interest rates, homeowners don’t need tax increases on top of that.

Last year, Plympton-Wyoming taxpayers contributed $92,092 to the operation of the SCRCA.

The board will take a better look at the bottom line when the staff presents its budget in the coming months.