Bipartisan Effort Not Enough to Support District Partnership
June 12^th, 2007

Tallahassee – Like Leon County’s other local offices, the Ochlockonee River Soil and Water Conservation District (ORSWCD) is a nonpartisan unit of government. This nonpartisanship was apparent in Monday’s vote on whether or not the ORSWCD should join other Conservation Districts across Florida in urging the legislature to consider the services provided by local governments during the legislature’s special session.

Supervisors Thure Caire and Blas Gomez, a democrat and a republican, supported partnering with other Conservation Districts. Supervisors Sean McGlynn and Scott Matteo, a democrat and a republican, opposed the partnership. Supervisor John Maloney was not present at the meeting.

“The Conservation Districts are stronger when we can work together,” said Supervisor Caire, “this is a lost opportunity for Leon County to be a part of an important state-wide partnership.” Several conversation districts throughout the state depend on local governments for funding. Many reforms proposed in the special legislative session would sharply curtail local governments’ ability to impose property taxes, which would decrease their revenue.

“As an individual I would like to see tax reform," said Supervisor Gomez, "however, as a Soil and Water Conservation District elected official , I am very concerned that some aspects of the Property Tax reform could mean the death knell for many Conservation Districts." The ORSWCD does not currently receive funding from Leon County or the City of Tallahassee, and instead relies on procuring grants and private sources of funding. Conservation District Supervisors do not receive any salary.

“Conservation Districts are probably one of the most cost-effective units of government,” said Supervisor Caire, “but we can’t compete for funding against things like keeping ambulances running or Sheriff’s patrolling. I worry that these reforms will be bad for conservation districts’ across the state.”

The Ochlockonee River Soil and Water Conservation District is a five member board that serves all of Leon County. Under a combination of state and federal laws conservation districts perform duties and bring funds to their district to assist landowners in protecting natural resources by implementing best management practices. The board members serve four year terms and are not paid for their service. For information about our local conservation district please visit http://www.votewithcaire.com/orswcd.html.