Conservation District Act Revised - Part Two

More on the new Conservation District Act

A continuation of discussion about 2008 changes to the conservation district act including director insurance, watershed operation and maintenance responsibilities and director terms of service changes.

Director Insurance 

Watershed Operation and Maintenance Responsibilities 

Director Terms Changes

Insurance for District Directors

The passage of Senate Bill 1766 allows conservation district directors to enroll at their own cost in the health and dental plans offered through the Oklahoma State and Education Employees Group Insurance Board (OSEEGIB). Options for health plans include the HealthChoice High Option and Basic Plans, as well as the S-Account Plan. For individuals living in certain ZIP Code areas, choices may also include Aetna, CommunityCare, GlobalHealth and PacifiCare HMO plans. Each HMO offers standard and alternative plans. Dental plans include HealthChoice Dental, Assurant Dental, CIGNA Dental Care, and Delta Dental.

OSEEGIB has placed a link especially for district directors in a prominent location on its web page, http://www.sib.state.ok.us. The link leads to a brief overview of the plans offered and links to enrollment materials, including the enrollment form and the Benefit Options Guide that provides a more detailed explanation of all the health and dental plans available at this time. Directors can download an enrollment form, view and print the premium rate chart, and view the Employee Benefit Options Presentation.

Coverage is effective the first of the month following receipt of the enrollment form as long as the form is submitted by June 20, 2008. For directors who choose not to participate at this time, their next opportunity to enroll will occur during the next annual Option Period in September 2008 and coverage will be effective January 1, 2009.

The opportunity to purchase insurance in the state plan has been well received by district board members. Directors began to enroll as soon as the word went out according to Steve Coffman, OCC comptroller.
“Working with the OSEEGIB staff to start this program was a very positive experience. They had done all the work and were ready to go when we sat down for the first meeting,” said Ben Pollard, OCC assistant director. “They could not have been more cooperative and helpful.”

“I cannot thank the folks at OSEEGIB enough for their eagerness to help get this plan working for district directors,” said Mike Thralls, OCC executive director. “This is obviously an important opportunity for our volunteer district boards, and OSEEGIB has done everything imaginable to make it readily available to those who choose to participate.”

District Watershed Operation and Maintenance Responsibilities Cleared of Other Environmental Liabilities

SB1766 “establishes that, except as otherwise provided by state or federal law, conservation districts’ flood control structure operation and maintenance responsibilities shall not be deemed to include maintaining, protecting or improving the quality of any soil, air, groundwater or surface water or biota (living things) affected by, near or comprising any part of the structure.”

“This is something we have always believed to be true,” said Mike Thralls, OCC executive director. “But here it is expressly stated by law that conservation districts, carrying out operation and maintenance of flood control structures are not liable for conditions that may arise due to other environmental factors.” That includes the formation of blue green algae or other issues that might arise unrelated to the district fulfilling its role as sponsor of a flood control structure.

“This legal clarification is something that is very welcome,” Thralls said.

Director Terms of Service Changed

SB1766 states that all terms for both appointed and elected district directors will commence on July 1 and end on June 30. According to the Attorney General’s office, current terms of office cannot be shortened or lengthened. As current appointed terms expire, the Commission will make appointments or reappointments with the new expiration date of June 30. The first round of appointments with the new dates — July 1, 2008, through June 30, 2010, — were made during the June Commission meeting. In the case of Recommendations for Appointment for a new director to fill an unexpired term, the end date will not change to June 30 until the unexpired term is completed.

Regarding elected positions, rules are being developed to amend the election process. The 2009 election cycle for Position No. 2 will be conducted under the new law and rules with the filing period to be the first three weeks of April and elections to be held the first Tuesday in June 2009. Further information on the election will be sent out later in the year. For questions or further information, contact Kim Tweed at the OCC office.