Conservation board seeks operating increases as new center prepares to open

An unidentified presenter for the county conservation board reviewed a proposed budget that would increase operating funding by about 6% to support the Conservation Center’s opening and ongoing operations.

Key requests included modest hourly increases for seasonal staff (proposed 50¢ an hour for two part‑time seasonal workers), an increase in custodial supplies to support daily cleaning and a $15,000 motor vehicle replacement request to modernize high‑mileage field trucks. The presenter also proposed reducing recreational supplies this year because one‑time expenditures for outdoor furniture and patio work were front‑loaded in the prior year.

The board discussed rental potential for the new Conservation Center, with the presenter estimating conservative revenue from shelter and event rentals and suggesting the Iowa DNR might lease or share office space. Supervisors asked for detailed revenue assumptions—expected wedding and rental rates, deposit policy and comparable local rates—before factoring projected rental income into the county’s revenue forecast.

The conservation presenter said the new building should be substantially complete within a couple of months and that staff would continue to review grant opportunities and donor commitments that affect net budget need.

Supervisors did not vote on conservation lines at the workshop and asked for follow‑up with specific backup for rental projections, staffing changes and vehicle replacement justification.