Department of Lands seeks staffing, one-time funds; governor proposes large transfers to fire fund

The Department of Lands told the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee on Wednesday it needs new personnel, continued support for wildfire response and changes to how some programs are funded after several recent budgetary and programmatic shifts.

Janet Jessup, budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office, opened the department's presentation, saying the Department of Lands is one of Idaho's 20 executive departments and functions as the administrative arm of the Board of Land Commissioners. Jessup walked the committee through the department's six program areas and noted personnel and dedicated fund breakdowns.

Jessup highlighted a long-standing, continuously appropriated Fire Suppression Deficiency Warrant Fund that has been prefunded by the legislature since 2015 to cover catastrophic suppression costs. She said the governor recommended a $60 million supplemental transfer in the current year and a $40 million transfer from the general fund to the deficiency…