The Dubois County SWCD has utilized a clearly stated Strategic Plan and Annual Plan of Work for the past 15 years.  These plans are developed by the Supervisors and Staff, and guide the monthly actions of the SWCD to ensure that the Supervisors’ goals are achieved.
          For 2011 through 2015, the Targeted Natural Resource Priorities are:      

  1. Soil Erosion 
  2. Livestock
  3. Invasive Species/Noxious Weeds
  4. Forestry     

          The SWCD Operations Priorities are:  Conduct effective and efficient operations, including personnel and supervisor training and development Finance and Budget Management, and the SWCD Education and Information Priorities are: Carry out an active information and education program aimed at the general public, landowners, growers, and schools
          In 2011, the Supervisors focused on the OPERATIONS priorities by working closely with the Dubois County officials.  The Supervisors wanted to be sure that the county officials knew and understood the SWCD’s mission, goals, and successes.  And they also wanted to ensure that the well trained and established SWCD staff was adequately compensated so they would want to remain employed by the SWCD.
          Board Chair Brenda Sermersheim followed up on the SWCD’s usual practice of routinely attending the meetings of the officials.  This year, Brenda invited each of them to lunch.  Brenda chatted with them individually and shared the SWCD’s story and conservation successes.
          She also shared that the SWCD staff had begun seeking other employment opportunities, and wanted to be sure that the County was paying the staff at the proper level to compensate them for their expertise.  The Dubois County SWCD is unique among Indiana SWCDs for the number of staff members:  two full time staff, two part time staff, and one summer intern.  Brenda asked the county officials what types of documentation they would like to see to illustrate the need presented to them.
          Brenda worked with the staff to obtain the necessary documentation, including a survey of neighboring counties to learn the SWCD staff positions classification and compensation levels.  Charts and graphs were produced, and provided to the officials with a cover letter and told to contact Brenda with any further questions.
         These contacts were made well before the county budget was due for review.  Because of Brenda’s contacts with them, each was prepared to consider promotions and the accompanying pay increases for the staff.  There were no surprises during the budget hearings, and the SWCD staff was awarded pay increases.  The Director received a promotion since she had been serving as department head for many years without the appropriate position designation from the county.
          This support of the SWCD was not achieved by one short visit with the county officials.  The SWCD Supervisors have attended Council and Commissioner meetings routinely to share SWCD successes.  The officials are invited to attend SWCD workshops and field days, and tours have been arranged solely for the officials.  When these practices were followed up by personal contacts with the officials, they were very supportive of the SWCD’s goals, and showed this support in the form increased finances.