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.