MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Appropriations

By: Representatives Foster, Barnett (92nd), Bowles, Davis (7th), Denny, Livingston, Maples, McCoy, McInnis, Short

House Bill 1780

AN ACT APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF SPECIAL FUNDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEFRAYING THE EXPENSES OF THE PEARL RIVER VALLEY WATER SUPPLY DISTRICT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 1998.  

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. The following sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby authorized and approved for expenditure out of any funds which are received by or otherwise become available to the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District, for the purpose of defraying the expenses of the district for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1997, and ending June 30, 1998 $ 7,067,062.00.

However, funds derived from the special tax levy authorized under the provisions of Section 51-9-139, Mississippi Code of 1972, shall be expended only for principal of and interest on bonds and shoreline development.

SECTION 2. Of the funds approved for expenditure under the provisions of Section 1, not more than the amounts set forth below shall be expended for the respective major objects or purposes of expenditure:

MAJOR OBJECTS OF EXPENDITURE:

Personal Services:

Salaries, Wages and Fringe Benefits $ 2,277,262.00

Travel and Subsistence 24,000.00

Contractual Services 1,245,300.00

Commodities 510,000.00

Capital Outlay:

Other Than Equipment 2,150,000.00

Equipment 277,000.00

Subsidies, Loans and Grants 583,500.00

Total $ 7,067,062.00

AUTHORIZED POSITIONS:

Permanent: Full Time. . . . . . . . . 78

Part Time. . . . . . . . . 12

Time-Limited: Full Time. . . . . . . . . 0

Part Time. . . . . . . . . 0

From the funds provided in the budget category "Personal Services: Salaries, Wages and Fringe Benefits," funds may be expended for the following purposes, in compliance with policies established by the State Personnel Board and any conditions placed on such expenditure:

(a) The components of the Variable Compensation Plan shall be maintained within the constraints of the funds appropriated herein.

(b) Funds shall be used to fund the "Realignment" component at the requirement established by the State Personnel Board.

(c) Subsequent to the application of Realignment, as specified in Subparagraph (b), above, funds shall be used to provide all eligible state employees employed on or before June 30, 1996, a Three Hundred Dollar ($300.00) "In-Service" COLA base salary increase effective July 1, 1997.

(d) All eligible state employees employed on or before June 30, 1996, shall receive a one percent (1%) salary increase on the first day of the month following their anniversary hire date.

(e) To be eligible for the salary increases specified in Subparagraphs (c) and (d), above, employees must have a current overall performance appraisal rating of "meets expectations" (2.0), or above, on the effective date of the increase. Employees who, subsequent to their eligibility date, receive a performance appraisal rating of "meets expectations" (2.0), or above, during Fiscal Year 1998 shall receive the salary increase effective the date of the rating. If an eligible employee is currently at or above end step for his or her job classification, or should this salary increase cause an eligible employee's salary to exceed end step, that portion of the increase exceeding end step shall be built into the employee's base salary.

It is the agency's responsibility to make certain that funds required to be appropriated for Personal Services for Fiscal Year 1999 do not exceed Fiscal Year 1998 funds appropriated for that purpose unless programs and/or positions are added to the agency's budget by the Mississippi Legislature.

Any transfers or escalations shall be made in accordance with the terms, conditions and procedures established by law.

No general funds authorized to be expended herein shall be used to replace federal funds and/or other special funds which are being used for salaries authorized under the provisions of this act and which are withdrawn and no longer available.

SECTION 3. Of the funds authorized and approved for expenditure herein, it is the intention of the Legislature that not less than twenty-five percent (25%) of all revenues obtained from the sale of timber on the Pearl River Valley Supply District property shall be used for the promotion and enhancement of wildlife on the Pearl River Valley Supply District property. The promotion and enhancement of wildlife shall be under the supervision of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

SECTION 4. The funds herein approved for expenditure, except and less an amount approved by the State Fiscal Officer which shall be sufficient to cover disbursements for current operations, shall be deposited at interest with any official depository of the state at a rate of interest numerically not less than one percent (1%) below the bank discount rate on United States Treasury bills of comparable maturity as determined by the State Treasurer.

SECTION 5. The money herein approved for expenditure shall be disbursed upon bank checks signed by the proper person, officer or officers, in the manner provided by law or in accordance with the provisions of a valid trust indenture.

SECTION 6. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1997.