NVCA seeking eight per cent budget increase
By Richard Blanchard

The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority is looking at an eight per cent increase in its 2008 budget.

The authority's staff proposed the increase at a special budget meeting held Friday in Utopia.

But board members have sent the proposed budget back to department heads for review.

"We asked that they sharpen their pencils and consider some cuts," said Essa deputy mayor Terry Dowdall, who attended the meeting.

"I really think that members are becoming more conscious about the authority's spending. This was the first year in my seven years as a representative on the authority that I've seen such concern about the authority's proposed spending."

Dowdall said that he couldn't support the increase in spending.

"I can see something around the cost of living increase but anymore much more is unacceptable."