The Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA) provided nearly $763,000 worth of services in Midland this year, but charged the town just $48,000.

Executive director Keith Sherman is requesting a similar amount for 2009.

“I think it’s very easy to see the value of the SSEA by looking at these numbers,” Sherman told council general committee on Monday night.

The activities carried out by the organization in 2008 included source water protection, the first phases of the Little Lake management plan and Midland woodland assessment, and tributary and groundwater monitoring.

Another highlight was the production of a Severn Sound watershed sustainability plan, which was revealed Dec. 2. Midland’s contribution as one of nine municipal partners was $7,249.

The plan identifies three major goals – environmental integrity and protection, community well-being and economic prosperity – and lists gaps in current policies, strategic directions and progress indicators for each.

For 2009, the SSEA is looking at an expanded mandate and area – it now fully encompasses Tiny Township – as well as new legal status as a joint services board.

It is also embarking on a plan to internalize staff costs and revise its funding formula.

Under that formula, the nine municipal partners split operating costs based partly on their percentage of the watershed’s total land area and assessment base.

Midland council is scheduled to make a decision on the SSEA funding request at its next meeting Dec. 15.

tmealing@simcoe.com