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Spring Creek Watershed Commission seeks higher per‑capita contribution from member municipalities
Summary
Kevin Navey told the board the watershed commission’s budget will rise modestly in 2026 and asked member municipalities to consider raising their per‑capita contribution from 15¢ to 25¢ to support staff and programming, producing roughly $30,000 in new revenue for a $40,000 budget.
Kevin Navey presented the Spring Creek Watershed Commission report and reintroduced Elise Johnson, now serving as a leadership coordinator on a contractual basis. Navey described growing activity and the commission's decision to add contractual help after previously being all-volunteer.
Navey said the commission’s previous annual budget was roughly $34,000 and that the 2026 budget proposal would be about $40,000. To support increased activity and retain staff, the commission recommended raising the per-capita municipal contribution from the longstanding 10¢ (then 15¢) to 25¢, which Navey said would generate about $30,000 regionwide based on the 2020 census and help meet a $40,000 total budget.
He outlined the commission’s collaborative work with partners including Clearwater Conservancy (fiscal agent), center-region planning and county conservation district staff, Trout Unlimited and other nonprofits on stormwater and watershed projects. Navey emphasized that stormwater — warmer runoff that changes thermal characteristics and harms trout habitat — is a key threat and focal point for the commission’s efforts.
Board members asked clarifying questions about the requested contribution; a supervisor confirmed the 25¢ per-capita figure. The commission’s request was provided to member municipalities in advance of the annual collection process for review and possible adoption during forthcoming budget discussions.
