The information presented in the Operations Handbook is designed to help District staff and directors better understand how Conservation Districts operate.  Specific details on how to carry out District programs are contained in this Handbook, which can be found in every District office.

The powers and responsibilities of a Conservation District are broad.  By reading the section covering Legal Powers and Responsibilities you will gain good insight to the things Conservation Districts can, should, and must do.

If you have questions regarding programs or the operation of Michigan's Conservation Districts please feel free to contact:

Michigan Department of Agriculture

Environmental Stewardship Division

525 West Allegan Street

P.O. Box 30017

Lansing, Michigan 48909

Telephone: 517-241-0236  

Fax: 517-335-3329

E-mail: shines@michigan.gov

Michigan Association of Conservation Districts

3001 Coolidge Road, Suite 250

East Lansing, Michigan  48823

Telephone:  517-324-4421

Fax:  517-324-4435

E-mail:  lori.phalen@macd.org

Website: www.macd.org

(Requires Adobe's FREE Acrobat Reader)

OPERATIONS HANDBOOK

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1- INTRODUCTION TO MICHIGAN'S CONSERVATION DISTRICTS

Conservation Districts and How They Operate

The Purpose of Conservation Districts

How Conservation Districts are Funded

How Conservation District Programs are Conducted

How a Landuser Receives Assistance from Their District

Conservation Districts in Other States

SECTION 2 - LEGAL POWERS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Conservation District's Legal Powers

Conservation District's Responsibilities to Maintain its Legal Status

      as an Entity of Government

Other Legal Responsibilities of a Conservation District

Conservation District Liability

Conservation District Name Change Petition

Section 3 - District Directors' Duties & Responsibilities

Starting as Conservation District Director

Rights and Privileges Conservation District Directors are Entitled

Duties of District Board Members

Duties of the Chair

Duties of the Vice-Chair

Duties of the Secretary

Duties of the Treasurer

Operation's Grant Activities Required of a Conservation District Director

Recommended List of District Policies

A Note on Diversity of the Board

Deposit of Conservation District Funds

Bonding Policy

SECTION 4 - HIRING AND EMPLOYMENT GUIDELINES

District Employment Guidelines

Fringe Benefits

Legal Requirements

Staff Board Liaison

Training

Personnel Policies

Position Descriptions

Compensatory Time

Employee Evaluations

Interviewing Guide

What is an Interview?

Interview Summary

Example:  Vacancy Announcement for Administrator

Example:  Working Agreement

Example:  Amendment to the Working Agreement

Mandatory State and Federal Employment Posters

Mandatory Federal Posters

Mandatory State Posters

SECTION 5 - TAXES & OTHER FORMS DISTRICTS NEED TO FILE

Income Tax:  Form W-4  and MI-W4

Form 941 and Form 8109

W-2 Form,  W-3 Form, and Form 1099-Misc.

Form SS - 8

Form 160 and Form 165

MESC Forms:  1017e

Form I-9

Board Members

Workers' Compensation

State Sales Tax

Land Improvement

Sales Tax Exemption

Suggested Certificate Form

PI-184 Certificate of Inspection

IRS Offices in Michigan & Where to Obtain Forms

SECTION 6 - REGULAR AND SPECIAL MEETINGS

Open Meetings Act

District Board Meeting Agendas

District Board Meeting Minutes

Minutes Checklist

Section 7 - Annual Meeting Requirements

Rules for Conducting District Director Elections

Annual Meeting Requirements

Procedure for Conducting an Election

List of Forms for Use in Director Elections And Retention Schedule

Example:  Nominating Petition

Example:  Voter Registration and Qualification Card

Example:   Ballot

Helpful Hints in Conducting Director Elections

Oath of Office

Certificate of Directors Election Results

Annual Meeting Check List

SECTION 8 - ANNUAL REPORT

Reporting Schedule to Michigan Department of Agriculture

Retention & Disposal Schedule

SECTION 10 - CONDUCTING A TREE SALE

Statutory Requirements Pertaining to Conservation Districts

     that Produce and Sell or Deal in Tree Planting Stock

What the District Law Says About Selling Conservation Species

Section 11 - Partners

Appendix A - Acronyms

Appendix B - Tax Form Samples

APPENDIX C - CONSERVATION DISTRICT LAW