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County returns unused knotweed grant funds and plans staffing change to increase program capacity
Summary
Clallam County reported returning unused funds from a watershed knotweed-control grant after seasonal hiring difficulties and said staff will propose a full-time position to avoid returning funds in future years.
A county conservation staff member, Misty (first name only), told commissioners the county returned unused knotweed-control grant funds after staffing shortages prevented full use of the award in prior years.
"Every 2 years since the early 2000s, we've gotten money from WCA to do revenue control on both private and healthy land within watersheds in the county, and this allows us to treat knotweed... Last or 2 years ago, we had trouble hiring seasonals, and so we weren't able to do as much work... so we're giving it back to the program so they can use it to buy supplies," Misty said.
The nut graf: Misty said the county hopes to avoid returning future funds by hiring an additional full-time staff member; she said she is working with HR, county finance and administration to prepare a proposal for the board. The county is optimistic the grant program will continue and that the county's effort will resume at prior levels if staffing is approved.
Misty said the knotweed problem persists and requires ongoing effort; she noted the county's program has been recognized for its work and that the additional staff would help the county use allocated funds instead of returning them to the grantor.
No formal board action was recorded on the staffing proposal; Misty said she will bring a proposal to the board soon.
