Quinte Conservation’s 2025 budget will soon be going out to its 18 member municipalities for consideration.
The proposed $6.3 million total Operating and Capital budget includes a $96,223 increase to the municipal operating levy.
Quinte Conservation is looking at a $98,385 increase in staffing costs in 2025.
More than half of that ($50,453) is a 2.1% cost of living adjustment for all staff.
Merit adjustments for eight staff equal $25,228 while there is a $22,704 increase to employer-paid benefits.
Officials say maintaining qualified staff is essential to be able to provide the required programs and services to watershed residents.
They also note this budget will enable Quinte Conservation to continue to do business as normal without implementing any new programs and services.
There is a 30-day review period for municipalities and the pubic to comment before a staff report is brought back to the Quinte Conservation Board of Directors.
