Committee approves sunset trigger for conservation and heritage grant funding

The Washington County Executive Committee voted to advance a sunset-trigger resolution for the county's conservation and heritage grant program. Supervisor Pridemore moved the motion and Supervisor Konrath seconded it. The committee chair called for a voice vote; members answered "Aye," and the chair declared the resolution passed.

A staff presenter explained that the resolution would place the conservation and heritage grant program back on the county board agenda for a full discussion in 2032 or on or before that meeting, and it also includes an automatic trigger requiring review if program revenue falls below $40,000. Staff said the timing is intended to align with the county’s biennial budget cycle: the programs will be on the 2026–27 budget discussions and the county board retains authority to change appropriations during the budget process.

The presenter said the executive committee had already advanced a related sunset resolution for the Hart and Homestead program, and that the two sunset items are being aligned so they return for simultaneous review.

The committee took a recorded motion and a voice vote; no roll-call tally was provided in the transcript. The resolution passed by voice vote and will be considered during future budget and agenda cycles as described by staff.