SB 616
Department of Legislative Services
Maryland General Assembly
2021 Session
FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
Third Reader
Senate Bill 616 (Senator McCray)
Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Environment and Transportation
Baltimore City - Soil Conservation District - Authority to Establish
This bill authorizes a Baltimore City Soil Conservation District to be established and
continued with boundaries corresponding to the boundaries of Baltimore City.
Fiscal Summary
State Effect: To the extent a Baltimore City Soil Conservation District is established,
general fund expenditures increase by at least $171,400 in FY 2022 and by similar amounts
in future years. Revenues are not affected.
Local Effect: To the extent a Baltimore City Soil Conservation District is established,
Baltimore City finances are expected to be affected, potentially significantly, as described
below.
Small Business Effect: Potential meaningful.
Analysis
Current Law: There are 24 soil conservation districts in 23 counties (Frederick County
contains two districts) established in statute and continued with boundaries corresponding
to county boundaries, except for Frederick County, and include all land and water and
incorporated areas.
The governing body of each district consists of five supervisors who must be interested
and knowledgeable in the conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources. One of
the supervisors is appointed by the county governing body and four are appointed by the
State Soil Conservation Committee. Of the four supervisors appointed by the committee,
one is appointed from a list of three district residents submitted by the county farm bureau,
one is appointed from a list of three district residents submitted by the county extension
service, and the remaining two are appointed from among residents of the district.
A soil conservation district constitutes a political subdivision of the State and a public body
corporate and politic, exercising public powers. The supervisors have various authority,
including the authority to (1) conduct surveys, investigations, and research relating to the
character of soil erosion and the preventive and control measures needed; (2) disseminate
information concerning preventive and control measures; (3) conduct demonstration
projects; (4) carry out preventive and control measures; (5) develop comprehensive plans
for conserving soil resources and controlling and preventing soil erosion within the district;
and (6) approve and disapprove sediment control plans for clearing, grading, transporting,
or otherwise distributing soil pursuant to provisions of the Environment Article (soil
conservation districts are designated as approval authorities under those provisions).
State Expenditures: To the extent a Baltimore City Soil Conservation District is
established, general fund expenditures increase by at least $171,337 in fiscal 2022, which
accounts for the bill’s October 1, 2021 effective date. This estimate reflects the cost for the
Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) to hire (1) a district manager, to assist in the
development and implementation of programs in conjunction with the board of supervisors,
and supervise district office staff and (2) a planner/technician to handle plan development,
cost-share administration, and technical reviews. MDA provides department staff and other
assistance to soil conservation districts, in partnership with county governments and the
U.S. Department of Agriculture, which also play a role in the funding and operations of the
offices. MDA currently has 141 staff that support the districts, largely within the 23 district
offices (the Frederick County districts share an office). The Governor’s proposed
fiscal 2022 budget includes $12.9 million in general and reimbursable funds for support of
the soil conservation districts, primarily for personnel costs.
This estimate assumes a minimum amount of staff for the Baltimore City Soil Conservation
District office, since MDA indicates that it is unclear at this time what level of staff will be
needed; expenditures may be higher if additional staff or other funding is needed. The
estimate includes salaries, fringe benefits, one-time start-up costs (including a vehicle) and
ongoing operating expenses (including per diem funds for the board of supervisors).
Positions 2
Salaries and Fringe Benefits $109,054
Vehicle 25,000
Operating Expenses 37,283
Total FY 2022 State Expenditures $171,337
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Future year expenditures (which total $160,344 in fiscal 2023, increasing to $175,063 by
fiscal 2026) reflect full salaries with annual increases and employee turnover and ongoing
operating expenses.
Local Fiscal Effect: To the extent a Baltimore City Soil Conservation District is
established, Baltimore City finances are expected to be affected, potentially significantly.
MDA indicates that the city would need to be an active participant and source of funding
to ensure the success of the new district. In addition, to the extent that regulatory efforts
currently undertaken by the city, in particular sediment control plan review and/or
inspections, are transferred from the city to the soil conservation district, it appears there
may be some amount of personnel that currently perform those functions (potentially about
12 personnel), associated fee revenues (in the range of $150,000 annually for sediment
control plan review), and expenditures supporting the personnel and operating costs,
shifted from the city government to the soil conservation district. It is unclear what the net
fiscal effect of such a shift is for the city. Presumably, the city, in that event, would continue
to provide funding to support those personnel as part of its contribution to the soil
conservation district. MDA indicates that its staff are generally not closely involved in
sediment control plan review within the districts.
Small Business Effect: MDA indicates that opportunities for small businesses may
develop with the availability of State and federal conservation programs administered
through the Baltimore City Soil Conservation District, if it is established.
Additional Information
Prior Introductions: None.
Designated Cross File: None.
Information Source(s): Baltimore City; University System of Maryland; Maryland
Department of Agriculture; Department of Legislative Services
Fiscal Note History: First Reader - February 24, 2021
rh/lgc Third Reader - March 19, 2021
Analysis by: Scott D. Kennedy Direct Inquiries to:
(410) 946-5510
(301) 970-5510
SB 616/ Page 3


Statutes affected:
Text - First - Baltimore City - Soil Conservation District - Authority to Establish: 8-301 Agriculture
Text - Third - Baltimore City - Soil Conservation District - Authority to Establish: 8-301 Agriculture