AR SB123

Establishes maximum of 6 regular employees for the Department of Rural Services for fiscal year 2014-2015, including 1 Director at $89,307 annual salary and 3 Grants Analysts, with authorization for 1 part-time/temporary employee at rates not to exceed Uniform Classification and Compensation Act standards.

Appropriates $1,408,335 from the Miscellaneous Agencies Fund Account for state operations including $250,928 in regular salaries, $80,103 in personal services matching, and $1,000,000 in grants ($400,000 rural community grants, $500,000 rural fire protection grants, $100,000 county fair improvement grants).

Appropriates $1,050,862 from the Wildlife Recreation Facilities Fund for personal services and operating expenses including $1,000,000 in wildlife recreation grants.

Authorizes $75,000 from cash funds for conference expenses and $102,570 from the Miscellaneous Agencies Fund Account for maintenance and general operations; appropriates $100,000 from the Animal Rescue and Shelter Trust Fund for animal rescue and shelter grants.

Authorizes the department to retain up to 1.5% of General Improvement Fund moneys for administrative costs and allows fund transfers to the Miscellaneous Agencies Fund Account; requires department to develop matching grant rules for county fairs with $30,000 maximum per biennium and requires Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee approval for grant distributions.