ID H0617

Appropriates $33,691,200 to the Department of Parks and Recreation for fiscal year 2015 (July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015), distributed across Management Services ($14,837,100), Park Operations ($16,538,100), and Capital Development ($2,316,000) programs.

Authorizes the Department of Parks and Recreation to employ no more than 144.25 full-time equivalent positions during the fiscal year, with any increases requiring specific authorization from the Governor and notification to the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee.

Exempts trustee and benefit payments for grants in the Management Services Program from standard transfer limitations, allowing transfers to capital outlay in either the Capital Development Program or Park Operations Program to reflect awarded grants.

Reappropriates any unexpended and unencumbered balances from the Capital Development Program for fiscal year 2014 for use in nonrecurring expenditures during fiscal year 2015.

Directs the department to adjust compensation schedules upward by 1%, continue existing payline exception job classifications for recruitment and retention, and provide ongoing 1% salary increases and equivalent one-time 1% bonuses for state employees based on merit.