| Here is the bottom line of Tom's concern. Since January of this year, the Division has been keeping information rather close to the vest as it relates to the Gov's budget. The budget shows clearly 84 NEW positions to the Division. It mentions something to the effect about these NEW positions being a part of SB 742. In a meeting via telephone with the "OHV Leadership", Ms Greene was questioned about: 1. Where SB 742 shows anything related to the 84 positions. 2. What is each title of the positions. 3. Where are these folks going to work. After quite a stuggle attempting to get this information, we were first presented a list (in this thread) a couple of months AFTER requesting it. Then, we have asked again and again to show where SB 742 provides for this. To date, no answer. Finally, we have asked where these folks who are hired are going to be placed. We got something in the past week or so about Huber Dunes (about 300 or so acres) and the Freeman Property (Truck Haven). Truckhaven is not even close to being a part of the SVRA system, so the budgeted amount is just fluff. Huber Dunes? How many of this 84 positions are needed there? If the Division would just provide the Budget Change Proposal ("BCP") submitted to the Department of Finance, the answers would be there for all to see. So now, I guess its time to get our elected folks involved and have them ask for this document because the Division is not giving us the information we want. Jerry, these new positions are what is called permanent person years and once hired, they are difficult to remove. This was a bellweather year for the fund. But, because OHV registrations are down (way down) and related gas tax transfer income is likely way down, the Division is steering towards a collision course of more on the payroll than the income stream can support. And, for most D-37 folks, are looking for BLM/Forest Service opportunities, I'd think D-37 might just want more to the Grant side of the funds vs. expanding the SVRA system and related staff. I see a day in the future that most all of our OHV funds will be swallowed-up by Division O&M and no new facilities to show for it. Tom does not get his message across sometimes but he is on the right track on most Division business. I'd say he is pleaing with you and other leadership to get the questions answered by the Division. A bit of "sunshine" on what the Division is doing with OUR OHV funds should be demanded by and reported on to the OHV community. |
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