Board to consider $192,730 transfer to conservation trust fund in FY2026 budget

Johnson County finance staff told supervisors on July 30 they will present a budget transfer resolution on Aug. 7 to credit $192,730 from the general basic fund to the conservation trust fund, an annual bookkeeping step that allocates revenues generated by conservation activities. Dana Aschbrenner, county finance director, said three mandatory transfers are processed annually; the conservation trust transfer is estimated during the budget process because the exact amount is not known until year-end revenue tallies are complete. Aschbrenner said the county had estimated $185,000 for the transfer during the budget process; the resolution now being prepared carries an estimated transfer amount of $192,730. Brad (last name not specified on the call) said the trust fund balance varies and that the board's support helps the department use trust revenues to offset other expenditures. Supervisors asked for clarification on revenue sources credited to the conservation trust; Aschbrenner listed examples including firewood sales, camping fees and shelter reservations. Staff plan to place the transfer resolution on the formal Aug. 7 board agenda for approval.