ID H0614

Appropriates $2,878,500 to the Soil and Water Conservation Commission for fiscal year 2015 (July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015), with funding allocated across personnel costs ($1,194,700), operating expenditures ($436,600), capital outlay ($44,000), and trustee and benefit payments ($1,203,200)

Limits the Soil and Water Conservation Commission to a maximum of 16 full-time equivalent positions during the fiscal year, unless specifically authorized by the Governor, with the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee to be notified of any authorized increases

Directs $50,000 of the appropriated trustee and benefit payments to be distributed equally among Idaho's 50 soil and water conservation districts in addition to amounts authorized under existing law

Establishes legislative intent for employee compensation improvements including a 1% upward adjustment to the compensation schedule, continuation of existing payline exceptions for recruitment and retention, and funding for 1% ongoing salary increases plus equivalent one-time 1% bonuses based on employee merit