“Rates and charges” refer to county-approved fees that local residents pay to cover public services in the community. For example, county residents pay water and sewer management fees that are based on a county-approved system of rates and charges to cover the cost of those services. In the same way, this rate and charge fee covers conservation-related services in the county.

We are still in the process of determining cost for Pierce County residents. Under the previous plan, the Rate per parcel per year was about $10. 

Conservation Districts provide public services. We do not profit, and as a mission-driven public entity our budget is tied to public funding and project-specific grants. PCD can’t pursue commercial activities that aren’t directly related to our mission.

We actively seek out state, federal, local, and foundational grants, but grants are volatile revenue sources that fluctuate year-to-year and usually have hyper-specific spending purposes. To better tailor our services to local needs, rates and charges allow for control of funds and how they are invested into the community.

Rates and Charges funding benefits everyone whether they use our services or not. It allows us to achieve local goals like restoring wildlife habitat, preserving agriculture, managing the impacts of urbanization, and providing equitable, community-driven solutions to environmental challenges.

Additionally, we leverage these local dollars with state, federal, and foundation funds to create even greater impact. For every $1 in Rates & Charges, PCD currently leverages approximately $8 in grants/contracts.

Pierce Conservation District is overseen by a locally-elected board. This board will vote on a proposed rates and charges plan at a public hearing. The proposal then goes to the Pierce County Council for a final decision.