Board adopts MDV grant resolution after debate over reporting pounds vs. percentages

The Adams County Board adopted Resolution 30, recommending acceptance of a DNR multi-discharge/variance (MDV) grant, after floor discussion about how phosphorus reductions are quantified and reported.

Supervisor Posdalski pressed for percentages to accompany reported pound figures (examples cited in committee materials included 1,035 pounds and 4,200 pounds kept out of specific watersheds, and a 58,000-pound figure noted elsewhere), saying raw pounds alone do not convey the relative effect of projects. Colton (land-and-water staff) and a DNR representative explained that MDV/variance funding is reported in pounds rather than percentages and that, per state statute referenced in committee materials (identified in the meeting as statute 283.16), counties must quantify reductions in pounds for reporting.

Posdalski recommended inclusion of percentage context in the resolution so the data would be more meaningful locally; staff said the underlying report sent to members included the required pound figures and related documentation and that further context could be discussed with DNR. After discussion the board adopted the resolution on roll call (17 yes, 1 no recorded earlier on a different item; see clerk roll).