Spokane County Conservation District

The board convened to conduct an executive session regarding public employee performance and addressed several operational and financial agenda items. Key discussions included updates on WSCC grant policy procedures, the current financial standing of the District, and the refinement of partnership strategies with the Spokane River Fund. Staff provided comprehensive reports on the forestry program's seasonal workload, participation in a pilot project for cover crops, the transition to a new project management platform, and collaborative efforts with various educational institutions on water resource projects. Additionally, the board appointed an Elections Supervisor, approved a salary increase for the Executive Director, and discussed legislative advocacy efforts and upcoming community engagement initiatives.

The meeting included a decision to enter an executive session to review the performance of a public employee. The Board accepted the Consent Agenda, which included the January 13, 2026, Board Agenda, December's Regular Board Meeting Minutes and Treasurer's Report, and the January Payables Report totaling $452,261.18. Key operational updates included a review of the revised budget position as of year-end 2025, noting over $19 million in revenue and an excess of $1.5 million, with variances attributed to grant timing. Staff reports covered Spokane River funding coordination, personnel changes at the Spokane Water Conservancy, successful Forestry events, ongoing maintenance, and updates on legislative matters including a proposed bill that would prohibit conservation districts from purchasing large agricultural lands. The Board also adopted the proposed 2026 board meeting schedule and approved a $25,000 financial contribution to support the documentary "Finding our Way" regarding the Hangman Watershed.

The board meeting addressed several administrative and financial matters, including the acceptance of the Consent Agenda, which covered the current agenda, previous meeting minutes from October and November 2025, and the December 2025 Payables Report for $185,161.97. The Board recognized a supervisor for 10 years of service. Significant discussion focused on the 2025 Budget Amendment, which included adjustments related to a BARS code, deferral of CERB loan proceeds, and the inclusion of a $250,000 Healthy Food Financing Initiative grant, resulting in a reduced projected fund excess. The Board also accepted the proposed 2026 Draft Budget, which incorporated updated salary and benefit projections, a 3% COLA, and planning for a potential NACD grant. Staff reports covered updates on the Farm and Food Symposium success, post-fire restoration efforts in the Forestry Program, and planning for major Water Resources projects. The Board approved writing off six On-Site Sewage System (OSS) loans totaling $7,500.16. The 2026 meeting schedule was reviewed, with the next meeting set for January 13, 2026. An executive session was held to review the performance of a public employee.

The meeting focused on the concept of 'keeping the water we get' as a strategy for water conservation, contrasting it with traditional methods of water disposal to prevent flooding. Discussions emphasized that Spokane uses significantly more water than similarly sized cities and that capturing rainwater could lead to lower overall water usage. Key topics included the role of waterwise programs, methods for water retention such as biochar, landscape redesign, and composting. Soil was highlighted as the primary water retention system, a sponge capable of holding vast amounts of water, which supports groundwater recharge and ecosystem health. Specific attention was given to composting, detailing its controlled decomposition process, its value in reducing landfill waste (and subsequent methane gas creation), and the proper ratios (3:1 carbon to nitrogen) and conditions (air and moisture) for effective composting. Examples of water-retaining designs, such as Village Homes in Davis, California, were presented, along with an overview of the Bionic Pump theory concerning forest-driven rain generation.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. The board approved the modified agenda, the updated 2025 Budget Proposal, and the 2026 Election Resolution. The 2026 Budget Draft was presented, and the final proposal will be reviewed at the next meeting. Results from the commodity buffer survey indicated support for the program. Jacob Taylor's departure from the Water Resources Department was announced. John Heaton was presented with the 2025 Hangman Creek Watershed Champion Award.