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Crawford County OKs $35,000 for Conservation District’s 2027 budget
Summary
The Board approved $35,000 in county funding for the Conservation District’s 2027 budget after the district said state match funds are unlikely this year; board authorized chairman to sign motion 26-260.
The Crawford County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on June 2 to approve a $35,000 county contribution to the Conservation District’s 2027 budget and authorized the chairman to sign (motion 26-260).
Conservation District Board Chairman Mark Lehman told commissioners the district likely will not receive State funding this year but will not seek additional county funds beyond the requested $35,000 because existing reserves should cover operations through the year. Lehman said the district received $45,000 two years ago when an additional employee was on staff and that the State’s cost‑share is a two‑to‑one match up to $50,000. Lehman also noted the district recently hired a new employee who will be eligible for county insurance after a probationary period, likely in August.
Commissioners asked about reserves, prior funding history and whether the district intended to place the new employee on county insurance; County Counselor Jim Emerson confirmed the district had made a motion permitting the employee to join county insurance pending the completion of the probationary period. The board approved the budget and county contribution on a 3-0 vote.
Why it matters: The county’s appropriation helps maintain conservation programming and staffing amid uncertain State support and reflects an ongoing partnership between the county and the local conservation district.
Next steps: County staff will transmit authorization for the chairman to sign and the Conservation District will proceed with its 2027 plans.
