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Waushara County conservation staff warn budget strain could force staff cuts, delay $20,000 watershed payment
Summary
County conservation staff told the committee that an impending budget squeeze could force cuts to locally funded positions and prompted discussion of dropping a $20,000 annual intergovernmental payment; the committee tabled the membership decision to allow further review and outreach.
Waushara County conservation staff told the committee Tuesday that steep budget pressure may require cuts to locally funded positions and could force the county to end a $20,000‑a‑year intergovernmental membership payment to a regional watershed program.
A county conservation staff member said the program that funds positions—referred to in the meeting as DATCAP (also variably rendered in the transcript as DACA cap/DAC cap)—currently covers roughly the director’s salary in full and contributes sizeable shares toward two other staff positions. "Without DATCAP's funding we would lose most likely land conservation," the staff member said, warning that the county receives about $300,000 a year through that funding stream as described in the meeting.
The staff member asked the committee to weigh the financial tradeoffs before renewing a 2024–2027 intergovernmental agreement that carries a roughly $20,000 annual payment. Under the contract, the county could terminate with 30 days' notice; staff said withdrawing might preserve local positions but would end a partnership the county has relied on for regional projects.
After discussion about budget forecasts, reserve options and outreach to partner organizations for one‑time contributions, the committee agreed to table the decision on keeping the intergovernmental membership. Committee members instructed staff to continue fiscal analysis and return with recommendations before formal budget decisions are finalized.
The committee also discussed other revenue options, including a modest annual maintenance fee on decentralized systems, and alternatives such as asking lake associations or regional groups to consider one‑time contributions to sustain partnership membership.
The committee tabled the membership decision for further consideration; staff will seek partner input and report back as part of upcoming budget planning.
