Note: This year IFF rated maintenance bills according to a more refined system. This is an enhancement bill, and will be rated as a standalone bill. IFF will only consider enhancement line items in these ratings. This means that FTP reductions passed in maintenance legislation will not be evaluated here, among other things.
Bill Description: Senate Bill 1404 is an enhancement of $829,900 and 0.00 new full-time positions for the Department of Agriculture for fiscal year 2027. This legislation appropriates a total of $54,561,400 and 230.00 full-time positions to the agency.
Rating: -1
Is the continuation or growth in ongoing spending, if any, inappropriate for the changes in circumstances, scope of the agency, or current economic environment? Conversely, is the continuation or growth in ongoing spending appropriate given any change in circumstances or economic pressures?
This legislation authorizes an ongoing spending enhancement for the Department of Agriculture of $829,900, adding onto last year’s (FY26) increase in ongoing spending of $1,731,200. FY26’s ongoing spending is wrapped into FY27’s base increase, making ongoing spending especially important to scrutinize. Volatility in these increases (or decreases) is to be expected, and makes discernment on the propriety of new spending imperative.
The enhancements consist of replacement items ($621,100 DF) and OITS hardware ($195,500 DF) and are De Minimis compared to agency operations and size.
(0)
Does this budget incur any wasteful spending among discretionary funds, including new line items? Conversely, does this budget contain any provisions that serve to reduce spending where possible (i.e. base reductions, debt reconciliation, etc.)?
This legislation authorizes onetime spending to cover FY26 deficiency warrants of $1,298,600 related to control of exotic species such as “Japanese beetles, Mormon crickets and other exotic pests.” as authorized by Idaho code Title 22, Chapters 19 and 20. While this spending is objectionable, equally objectionable is not paying for expenses already incurred by the department in pursuance of Idaho Code.
(0)
This legislation also includes onetime supplementals for FY26 for the treatment of the Quagga Mussels on the Snake River ($3,393,000 DF). Treatment of this invasive species has been costly, and only partially successful. Alternatives should be sought.
(-1)
