Funding of the Commission

Funding of the Commission. As a state agency the Mississippi Soil and Water conservation Commission is funded by appropriation from the state legislature. Each year it submits a budget request for funds for the coming fiscal year (July 1 through June 30) to the State Department of Finance and Administration and to appropriate committees of the legislature. The Commission will seek and receive grants and other funds from any legitimate source and make appropriate distribution of such funds in carrying out the purpose of the Soil and Water Conservation District Act. A. Beginning with the month of January, the Commission will meet quarterly. The date of the next meeting will be established at each meeting. Items to be placed on the agenda for meetings must be received in the Commission office two (2) weeks prior to the meeting date. The Commission staff is authorized to obtain additional information on any matter to be considered at the Commission meeting and to make recommendations concerning its disposition. Whenever possible, the staff shall furnish to the members information on subjects to be presented prior to the meeting. Any matter not resolved at the Commission meeting will be referred to the Commission staff for further analysis and recommendations. All meetings will be open to the public. B. The Commission will support the objectives and activities of the Mississippi Association of Conservation Districts, where these are in keeping with the duties and powers of the Commission as established by law. The Commission employees may assist the association in carrying them out. C. As State management agency for agricultural related non-point sources of pollution, the Commission will keep informed as to its responsibilities, seek programs and funds to reduce the problems, and enlist, assist, and cooperate with federal and state agencies and organizations that have an interest in and can make a contribution to improving water quality. D. The Commission will stay informed about federal and state legislation that may have an impact upon soil and water conservation work in the state. It will keep the congressional members and state legislators informed as to the needs for accomplishing desired soil and water conservation. It will further provide requested information related to budget and finance to the appropriate committees of the state legislature and to the governor’s office. E. The Commission will cooperate with and support other federal and state agencies, organizations, etc., that may make a contribution to the soil and water conservation program. It will also provide a professional staff member to serve on various committees where its function might have an impact on the Commission’s work. F. The State Employee Handbook issued by the State Personnel Board contains the official operating policies and procedures for the Commission. Subject matters included are Employment Process, Service Employment, Leave Policies, Employee Benefits, Standard of Employee Conduct, Forms of Grievances and Appeals. Where there are options and latitude provided in the handbook or when clarification is needed, the Executive Director is authorized to issue amendments to the handbook. He will obtain approval of the Commission as he deems necessary or desirable. G. The Commission will serve as liaison between the districts and the State Bureau of Geology in the implementation of the Mississippi Surface Mining and Reclamation Act. The assistance offered will relate to the responsibilities of the local soil and water conservation districts which pertain to the reclamation plan. The objective is the protection of the soil and water resources. The Commission has no authority and will not become involved in the regulatory aspect of surface mining. H. The Commission’s planning priority shall be on a watershed basis as set forth in the appropriate policies, rules and regulations set forth. The Commission will request soil and water conservation districts and the Natural Resources Conservation Service provide information in establishing priorities.