Conservation director asks to restore seasonal staff cut in prior budget

Conservation Director Dan Highsall asked the board to reinstate six seasonal positions—three summer rangers and three maintenance workers—removed after earlier budget cuts. He argued the seasonal positions are essential for mowing, weekend coverage, camping and visitor services and that relying on full‑time staff to cover seasonal tasks is inefficient.

Highsall said the park system generated revenue (campsites, cabins and concessions) that is tracked in a separate CIP fund used for equipment and projects (he cited a $130,600 transfer for a road payment and a $110,000 playground match). He asked supervisors to receive the conservation budgets as presented so the department can plan for the coming season; the motion to receive passed 5‑0.