Committee approves $32,920 cash for fish hatchery repairs, uses contingency to fund shortfall

The Finance & Budget Committee voted to take $32,920 from county contingency funds to cover the cash portion of repairs at a county-owned fish hatchery and to establish a capital project for the improvements.

"This is for the fish hatchery request to provide $32,920, and we need to identify the source," the chair said during the discussion. The planning department told the committee it had received nearly $290,000 in grant funds and that the DPW superintendent could provide about $25,000 in in-kind match, leaving the $32,920 cash need.

Supervisor Cressido moved the motion and Supervisor Runyon seconded; the committee called the question and the vote carried with no opposition. The capital project for the hatchery (item 4b) was approved in the same sequence.

Committee members noted contingency-account limits and other potential near-term demands on the contingency balance. The county administrator said recent tax revenues had bolstered the general fund, which has in the past been used to cover settlements and one-time needs. The chair and several supervisors emphasized that while the hatchery work appears to be maintenance rather than enhancement, the county will need to plan for larger capital needs not included in the multiyear plan.