Commission approves transfers from Wetlands Protection Act fund for overtime and office support

The Commission reviewed two requests to use the Wetlands Protection Act account to cover operational expenses. Staff reported the account balance at about $32,060.21 and identified anticipated overtime needs (about $4,400 for the principal office assistant and $6,700 for the conservation agent) plus $750 for program-related office supplies. The board approved transferring funds from the account to cover those items and discussed shifting the part-time office-clerk position into the department’s regular budget during the next budget cycle.

A motion to approve the transfer from the Wetlands Protection Act fund carried by voice vote. Staff said the account accrues roughly $10,000 annually but that the fund is getting close to depletion and that the clerical position has historically been funded from this account.

Action and next steps: The Commission approved the fund transfers and will present the position to the department budget for the coming cycle.