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Dunn County staff urge support for increased state base funding for land conservation positions
Summary
Staff asked the committee to consider supporting a state-budget request to raise the state base funding for county land conservation positions from current levels toward $20.2 million statewide to meet statutory expectations.
County Land & Water staff briefed the committee on a statewide funding request to increase the base appropriation for county Land Conservation staffing, and asked the committee for guidance on local advocacy.
The presentation explained that state statute (chapter 92) contemplates state support for an average of three county positions: historically the state covered 100% of the first position, 70% of the second and 50% of the third. Staff noted the statewide base appropriation has fallen from earlier levels: "The base funding in 02/2006 was $9,300,000. And if you fast forward to current year 2025, the base funding is $8,900,000," a staff member said.
Wisconsin Land & Water Conservation Association and county conservation staff are supporting a request to raise the state base to $20.2 million in the next biennial budget to meet the statutory goal and restore funding. Staff asked the committee whether it would consider formal action such as drafting a county board resolution, encouraging members to testify at joint finance hearings, and contacting state legislators.
Committee members generally supported advocacy and suggested a county resolution and direct contact with local legislators. One member asked why the state had not kept pace with the stated goal; staff explained competing budget priorities at the state level and described prior use of one-time funding in past biennia. Staff offered to draft a resolution for consideration by the committee and county board and to support supervisors or staff who may choose to testify at joint finance committee hearings in April.
Committee members asked staff to provide a draft resolution for consideration and to coordinate outreach to local legislators prior to the joint finance hearing schedule.
