Committee: House Appropriations
STATE CEMENT PLANT
Mr. Dale Bertsch, LRC, staffed the meeting.
Mr. Steve Zellmer, Manager, State Cement Plant introduced Mr. Dave Bozad, Chairman, State
Cement Plant Commission.
Mr. Bozad gave the committee on the accomplishments and future goals of the Cement Plant. He
said they are continually paying attention to needs and getting things done. He said they were
making major up-grades in the mill as well as keeping up with modernization as new technology
becomes available. Another concern is how best to get their product to the railroads and are closely
watching what will happen to DME.
Mr. Bozad reported that the latest audit showed there had been no write-ups and they would be
transferring $12 million to the general funds.
Mr. Zellmer responded to questions from the committee regarding the expansion to obtain limestone to the west side of Sturgis Road. He said the property is zoned for mining and they were going to
put up berms to minimize disruptions to the residents. He added that the day is coming that Rapid
City will not allowing mining in the area.
The meeting recessed at 9:40 a.m. and reconvened at 10:10 a.m.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Mr. David Becker, LRC, staffed the committee (Document #1).
Mr. Darrell D. Cruea, Secretary, Department of Agriculture, introduced members of his staff, and
presented the committee with a Department of Agriculture brochure (Document #2).
Animal Industry Board
Dr. Sam Holland, State Veterinarian and Executive Secretary, Animal Industry Board, explained
their duty is to regulate and protect animal health, regulate auction markets and administer the state
meat inspection program.
Dr. Holland reviewed the budget increase of $64,375 saying the $8,522 in General Funds was for
updating computers and $53,000 in federal and other funds was for maintaining the new USDA
FAME computer system.
In response to questions from the board Dr. Holland informed the committee that at the present time
there is $616,000 in the Livestock Disease Emergency Fund.
Office of the Secretary
Mr. Cruea, reported the decrease of 1 FTE represents the transfer of the FTE to Agricultural Services
for summer work. He said Agricultural Services have been using interns for summer employment
and this has been very successful.
Mr. Cruea, advised the committee that the Department has been cutting down on the number of
overnight stays in order to cut down on the travel budget.
Agricultural Services
Mr. Kevin Fridley, Director, Agricultural Services, explained that many of the duties with his
department are spelled out in statute or rules. He emphasized that weed control is going to be a
priority in 2000.
Resource Conservation and Forestry Division
Mr. Ray Sowers, director, briefed the committee on some of the major duties of his department. Included in this is assisting conservation districts in the state to improve soil water and land
resources, fire suppression and assistance to rural fire department in acquiring fire fighting
equipment.
In his budget presentation, Mr. Sowers said the increase of $110,960 included an increase of $5,591
in travel which is attributed to the increase in per diem. Also included is $36,830 to provide cost
sharing to fire departments using their surplus buying program.
Agricultural Development
Mr. Ron Cody, Director, Agricultural Development, reported that the division assists with mediation
and counseling on farm debt. Mr. Cody told the committee that in the Young Farmers Program they
have lent out $14,000 million.
In response to questions on the acceptance by lending agencies, Mr. Cody said there more lenders
participating and they are receptive to the program.
State Brand Board
Mr. Bob Gadd, Director, State Brand Board, told the committee they operate on fee received and
there are no general funds in their budget.
The $2,800 increase in travel represents the increase in per diem. Mr. Gadd said that every five years
they publish a new brand book and therefore they are requesting and addition of $9,908 in
contractual services and supplies and materials.
State Fair
Mr. Craig Atkins, Manager, State Fair, gave a brief report on the revenue sources generated at the
last state fair. He reported that, even with 5 days of rain, they still had made money.
Mr. Atkins said the date of the fair has been set for July 31 to August 6, 2000.
A motion was made by Representative Clark, Seconded by Representative Wudel that the minutes
of January 24 and 25, 2000 be approved as submitted. Motion prevailed on a voice vote.
A motion was made by Representative Wudel, seconded by Representative Klaudt that the minutes
of January 27, 2000 be approved as submitted. Motion prevailed on a voice vote.
MOTION:
ADJOURN
Moved by:
Representative Klaudt
Second by:
Representative Wudel
Action:
Prevailed by voice vote.
Jeanette Black _________________________________
Committee Secretary