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Oswego County Soil & Water board approves 2026 budget, joins two AEM Round 19 projects and promotes two staff
Summary
At its Feb. 10 meeting the Oswego County Soil and Water Conservation District approved a modified 2026 budget, authorized participation in two AEM Round 19 Tier 4 cost-share farm projects, and unanimously approved promotions for two Conservation Aides to Environmental Resource Technician with $48,000 salaries and 52-week probationary periods.
The Oswego County Soil and Water Conservation District Board approved its 2026 modified budget, authorized participation in two Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) Round 19 Tier 4 cost-share farm projects and promoted two staff members during a Feb. 10, 2026 meeting in Fulton.
The board voted unanimously on routine financial business, approving January financial reports, February bills and payroll certification. Directors also reviewed and approved the 2026 Modified Budget as submitted.
Directors authorized participation in Round 19 of the AEM Base Program for two tracked farm projects identified as Farm 075-0144 and Farm 075-0176. Both motions were recorded as passing 3 yeas, 0 nays (motions moved and seconded by Directors Bonoffski and Chesbro in the recorded minutes).
The board also approved staff promotions recommended by management. The board voted 3–0 to immediately promote Conservation Aides Dylan Cox and Ben Gephard to the title of Environmental Resource Technician with annual salaries of $48,000 and all associated benefits; each promotion carries a probationary period of no less than 52 weeks. The minutes note no exam is required for the position under the HELPS program.
District Manager Joe Chairvolotti acknowledged staff contributions during the report of old business, saying, "I would like to thank all of the staff for their contributions to the reports. Due to extenuating circumstances, the documents needed to be completed before the deadline and with short notice. Whether their help was in the form of proofreading, providing facts and figures, developing narratives, or maintaining daily operations, this was a team effort and their dedication and hard work are sincerely appreciated." This statement appears in the meeting record as part of the old business discussion about 2025 state reports.
The board tabled an NYACD invoice for further consideration at the March 2026 meeting and discussed an anticipated staff vacancy this summer, reviewing possible redistribution of responsibilities among current staff or hiring a new employee.
Votes at a glance: minutes approval (Jan. 2026) — passed, 3–0; bills for February 2026 — passed, 3–0; financial report (Jan. 2026) — passed, 3–0; 2026 Modified Budget — approved; AEM participation for Farm 075-0144 — approved, 3–0; AEM participation for Farm 075-0176 — approved, 3–0; promotion of Dylan Cox and Ben Gephard to ERT — approved, 3–0.
The board scheduled its next meeting for Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in the District Conference Room.
