Overall I think the plan is…

Overall I think the plan is sound. I like the majority of the revisions and changes.
I am concerned - knowing how some municipal councils can be - that the portion about establishing a baseline budget for Operating - ie. Finance, HR, etc. (I think in theory in makes good sense), but in practical terms, I'm not sure if it will end up working effectively.
In my municipality, Kawartha Lakes - they look at percentage increases for example. So when Kawartha Lakes approves a budget increase with 1% it is equal to about $980,000. When Kawartha Conservation has a 1% increase it is about $15,000. Economies of scale.

The issue becomes if Kawartha Conservation needs to purchase 1 new truck at a cost of $60,000, that looks like a 4% increase in the budget. And it is when you start to look at percentage increases and say no, you need to find savings.

The other challenge I see is when municipalities don't agree necessarily with the 'operational costs'. There needs to be a mechanism, I think, where Conservation Authorities and Municipalities develop a baseline with annual increases and four year budget cycles.

For example, come up with a budget in year 1. Year 2, 3, 4 are the SAME budget as year 1, but with annual increases, ie. 2% or cost of living, etc.

The baseline can be established every four years in consultation with the municipalities. But then the Conservation Authority can plan for four years - they know what is coming. If there is additional work that needs doing, that would be handled through a separate MOU.

Thanks for allowing input.