Factors out of their control are resulting in a sizable increase in Lower Trent Conservation’s 2024 draft budget.
Lower Trent Conservation’s total proposed budget for 2024 is $2,972,991, an increase of $232,605 over 2023.
The draft budget includes a significant municipal levy increase of $221,707 that would lift municipal contributions from this year’s $1,176,381 to $1,3998,088 in 2024.
Conservation CAO Rhonda Bateman says their budget issues are due to several factors including increases in minimum wage, new CPP enhancement and decreases in projected planning and regulations revenue as well as surplus funds.
The draft budget is currently being circulated to Lower Trent Conservation’s seven member municipalities.
Quinte West, which pays the largest portion to the Conservation, would see its levy increased by more than $92,000 to about $600,000.
The 2024 budget is scheduled to go before Lower Trent Conservation’s Board of Directors for approval on November 9.
