Adams County Land and Water staff presented a multi‑discharger variance funding opportunity aimed at reducing phosphorus in surface waters, and the committee voted to forward a resolution to the county board to apply for an allocation.

Colton said the county’s estimated allocation is about $19,370, with an administrative portion of roughly 35% (about $6,700) and a 65% cost‑share amount (about $12,590). He described eligible practices ranging from structural manure‑management systems to lower‑tech measures such as cover crops and vegetative buffers, and said the program will operate on an annual allocation cycle through an extension granted to 2035. Colton described the funding timeline as three phases: application (due Jan. 1), implementation (beginning Feb. 1 if awarded) and reimbursement (filed in December of the year of participation).

Committee members pressed for clearer reporting on environmental impact. One document referenced "58,000 pounds of phosphorus pollutant kept out of the waterways," and Supervisor Posdolski asked that staff provide those figures as percentages and present a baseline to show what the reductions mean in context. Colton said an eight‑year report likely contains percentage conversions and offered to circulate the 72‑page document and follow up with clearer comparisons so citizens can assess program effectiveness.

Some supervisors voiced concern the program language and scoring could favor larger, more technologically advanced operations and disadvantage smaller or "old school" farms. Colton and the Chair said cost‑share options include lower‑tech solutions and that the funds are grant allocations (not drawn from the county's general fund).

The committee voted to forward the resolution to the county board; Supervisor Posdolski recorded a dissenting vote. Staff were assigned to provide clearer metrics and contextual data to the committee and the public prior to county‑board consideration.