Mississippi Administrative Code › Title 2 - Agriculture and Commerce › Part 901 - MSWCC Method of Operation › Chapter 1 - Role of MS Soil and Water Conservation Commission › Rule 2-901-1.6 - Funding of the Commission

Current through June 25, 2024
As a state agency the Mississippi Soil and Water
				  conservation Commission is funded by appropriation from the state legislature.
				  Each year it submits a budget request for funds for the coming fiscal year
				  (July 1 through June 30) to the State Department of Finance and Administration
				  and to appropriate committees of the legislature. The Commission will seek and
				  receive grants and other funds from any legitimate source and make appropriate
				  distribution of such funds in carrying out the purpose of the Soil and Water
				  Conservation District Act.
A. Beginning
				with the month of January, the Commission will meet quarterly. The date of the
				next meeting will be established at each meeting. Items to be placed on the
				agenda for meetings must be received in the Commission office two (2) weeks
				prior to the meeting date. The Commission staff is authorized to obtain
				additional information on any matter to be considered at the Commission meeting
				and to make recommendations concerning its disposition. Whenever possible, the
				staff shall furnish to the members information on subjects to be presented
				prior to the meeting. Any matter not resolved at the Commission meeting will be
				referred to the Commission staff for further analysis and recommendations. All
				meetings will be open to the public.
B. The Commission will support the objectives
				and activities of the Mississippi Association of Conservation Districts, where
				these are in keeping with the duties and powers of the Commission as
				established by law. The Commission employees may assist the association in
				carrying them out.
C. As State
				management agency for agricultural related non-point sources of pollution, the
				Commission will keep informed as to its responsibilities, seek programs and
				funds to reduce the problems, and enlist, assist, and cooperate with federal
				and state agencies and organizations that have an interest in and can make a
				contribution to improving water quality.
D. The Commission will stay informed about
				federal and state legislation that may have an impact upon soil and water
				conservation work in the state. It will keep the congressional members and
				state legislators informed as to the needs for accomplishing desired soil and
				water conservation. It will further provide requested information related to
				budget and finance to the appropriate committees of the state legislature and
				to the governor's office.
E. The
				Commission will cooperate with and support other federal and state agencies,
				organizations, etc., that may make a contribution to the soil and water
				conservation program. It will also provide a professional staff member to serve
				on various committees where its function might have an impact on the
				Commission's work.
F. The State
				Employee Handbook issued by the State Personnel Board contains the official
				operating policies and procedures for the Commission. Subject matters included
				are Employment Process, Service Employment, Leave Policies, Employee Benefits,
				Standard of Employee Conduct, Forms of Grievances and Appeals. Where there are
				options and latitude provided in the handbook or when clarification is needed,
				the Executive Director is authorized to issue amendments to the handbook. He
				will obtain approval of the Commission as he deems necessary or
				desirable.
G. The Commission will
				serve as liaison between the districts and the State Bureau of Geology in the
				implementation of the Mississippi Surface Mining and Reclamation Act. The
				assistance offered will relate to the responsibilities of the local soil and
				water conservation districts which pertain to the reclamation plan. The
				objective is the protection of the soil and water resources. The Commission has
				no authority and will not become involved in the regulatory aspect of surface
				mining.
H. The Commission's
				planning priority shall be on a watershed basis as set forth in the appropriate
				policies, rules and regulations set forth. The Commission will request soil and
				water conservation districts and the Natural Resources Conservation Service
				provide information in establishing priorities.
Miss Code Ann. §
										69-27-9