Date: 01/18/2006
Final
JBC Briefing on Department of Agriculture
COMMITTEE ON JOINT AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
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07:41 AM - Budget Briefing on Department of Agriculture
Senator Tapia, Joint Budget Committee (JBC), summarized the budget request for the Department of Agriculture in FY 2006-07 and distributed a JBC memorandum (Attachment A). He identified the key responsibilities of the department and provided an overview of factors driving the its budget, including inspection fees. Most of the department's budget comes from cash funds (fees). Approximately 14 percent of its budget comes from the General Fund. The department is requesting funding for 276 full time employees, an increase of one over the previous year.
07:48 AM
Representative Plant, JBC Chairman, identified priority decision items for the Department of Agriculture's budget in FY 2006-07, including $124,000 and an FTE for an animal identification programmer. Committee discussion followed about state support for the State Fair Authority and efforts by the authority to increase its self sufficiency. Committee discussion also followed about the payment of the department's indirect costs using brand inspection moneys and whether these expenses should be paid for with General Fund moneys.
08:10 AM
Senator Tapia explained that the JBC is requesting that the Colorado Department of Agriculture and other departments prepare five year plans to accommodate long term goals and better address changes in state revenue. Committee discussion followed about the role of Joint House and Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee in helping the JBC prioritize potential restoration of funding for programs that were reduced or eliminated due to revenue shortfalls.