Resolution to Accept the USDA-NRCS Cooperative Conservation Agreement Grant, Authorize the Creation of a Full-Time Conservation Specialist and to Amend the 2023 Land Resources and Environment Budget

Committee Status: 
Approved
Budget Status: 
External Source
Decision Impact: 
Significant
FTE Impact: 
Yes
Funding Source: 
Grant

Purpose

Accept the USDA-NRCS Cooperative Conservation Agreement Grant, Authorize the Creation of a Full-Time Conservation Specialist and to Amend the 2023 Land Resources and Environment Budget

Background

The Sauk County Land Resources and Environment Department (LRE) was awarded a Cooperative Conservation Agreement Grant from The United States Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS).   This grant provides 100% funding for three years towards a staff position within the LRE Department to build capacity for improved soil health and farm productivity and resilience in Sauk County. A detailed summary of the award agreement is attached as Appendix A.

 

The primary objectives of the agreement include, but are not limited to: provide staffing support for conservation technical assistance and farm bill program delivery throughout Sauk County, specifically impaired waters; provide outreach and education on climate-smart soil health and productivity and climate resilience to Sauk County producers through implementation of the Sauk County Land and Water Resource Management Plan; and build capacity of the Sauk County LRE to implement the Sauk County Farm Property Master plan. The grant officially begins October 1, 2023 and ends September 30, 2026. The grant may be extended an additional two years dependent on USDA-NRCS funding availability.

Resolution Files: 
File Resolution (Updated)
File Appendix A Updated Agreement
File Appendix B Draft Position Description
Budget Status (Other/External Sources): 

Fiscal Note:  The program cost and funding for the fourth quarter of 2023 is $35,100.57. No levy dollars are needed to fund any aspect associated with this position.  The remainder of the grant budget is included in Appendix A.

Program Funding: (USDA-NRCS)

 

$35,100.57

2023 Budgeted Levy

 

0.00

General Fund Balance

 

0.00

TOTAL

 

$35,100.57

Program Expenses:

Staff 

 

 

$  14,795.25

Benefits

 

$  15,561.50

MIS Equipment/Supplies

 

$    4,743.82

 

 

   

TOTAL

 

$ 35,100.57

Resolution Body

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the LRE may create a full-time Conservation Specialist position (Appendix B) and hire for said position once the grant commences to coordinate and implement the project during the grant period. 

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the 2023 budget be amended to appropriate $35,100.57 for the fourth quarter of 2023.       

Requested Board Review Date: 
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
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