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Soil and Water officials say county investment returns nearly $6 for every dollar; highlight tree and water‑testing programs
Summary
Soil and Water Conservation staff reported a $5.78 return on investment in 2024, described a tree giveaway and pollinator initiatives, and said federal grants fund staff positions under a five‑year agreement through 2029.
Eric Shidler, representing the Soil and Water Conservation District, told budget reviewers that the district’s “return on investment” for 2024 was approximately $5.78 for every dollar the county invested in the department.
Shidler described program highlights that he said leveraged state and federal funds: a tree giveaway that has drawn about 121 requests and will distribute roughly 1,270 seedlings to county residents next spring; a pollinator and native‑grass cost‑share initiative with four projects in initial agreement phase; and 92 household water tests completed so far in 2025. Shidler said the household water‑testing work is funded by a Clean Water Indiana grant.
Staffing and grants: Shidler said the district’s administrative assistant and conservation resource technician positions are covered largely by federal grant funds under a five‑year agreement that runs through 2029; the county picks up fringe benefit costs. “That is a 5 year agreement with our federal partners,” he said.
Why it matters: Shidler emphasized that federal and state grant awards amplify county investments, helping residents convert lawn to prairie, access tree seedlings and obtain water testing that staff said will be offered at health‑department clinics in October.
Nut graf: Soil and Water officials asked the council to consider the department’s grant leverage and continued use of federal funds to maintain staff positions, and noted several resident‑facing programs—tree giveaway, pollinator conversion, and water testing—are active or entering work phases in 2025–2026.
Additional details: Shidler said the district is in the first year of the five‑year federal agreement (through 2029); the program reported a modest decline in leverage versus prior years but attributed it largely to reduced federal program funding available to producers. Shidler also said the district is working with the county’s parks group and VTA for pollinator habitat at Trailhead Park.
Ending: Soil and Water staff said they will return to the council for solid‑waste discussions later in the schedule and confirmed they are tracking program revenues, grants and partner agreements to preserve staff and operations.
