Funding Sources
BCWD obtains most of its revenues for water resource programs and projects from taxes assessed to real property in the watershed. Minnesota Statutes section 103D.905 specifies funds a watershed district in Minnesota may maintain, along with limits on the amount of tax a district may levy for that fund, how frequently it may levy, and other requirements. BCWD also utilizes the funding mechanisms in chapter 103B of Minnesota law to ensure a balanced and transparent approach to funding the implementation of its watershed management plan. This levy authority highlights the importance of the plan for BCWD activities. The plan defines the programs and projects for which BCWD may exercise its taxing authority.
Other sources of revenue include grants or cost-share participation from other governmental bodies, expenditures by program/project partners, and permit fees which are used to cover the cost of administering permits by the district authorized under section 103D.345 of the watershed law.
Current Budget
The BCWD budget for the current year is: BCWD 2026 Budget [PDF].
Prior year's budgets can be found on the BCWD Archived Documents webpage.
Annual Budget Process
- BCWD staff reviews the 10-year Watershed Management Plan and specific water resource implementation plans to determine which activities should be budgeted for in the coming year.
- BCWD staff connects with municipalities and agencies to discuss potential cooperative projects and stakeholder priorities.
- The Board meets as many times as necessary for a budget workshop, generally at least twice, to assess the previous year’s work plan and consider projected projects and programs.
- The Board holds a public hearing (generally at the September board meeting) for public comments on the proposed draft levy and budget.
- The BCWD Board and Administrator meet with Washington County to discuss their budget and proposed tax levy, and the Board certifies their initial levy to the county in September.
- The budget is presented to the County Commissioners in a public workshop in November.
- The board can review projects and programs between September and December and determine if the final budget and levy can be reduced at the December Board meeting.
- Prior to final certification, the Board of Managers will take any additional public comment on the budget and levy at the December regular meeting.
- The final levy must be certified in December.
Capital Improvement Projects
The following projects were included in the current budget:
Brown’s Creek:
- Brown’s Creek Stream Restoration
- Begin restoration through the Brown's Creek Cove stretch of the creek.
- Brown’s Creek Conservation Easement Area
- Continue to implement natural resource management plan to restore up to 1,400 linear feet of Brown’s Creek and surrounding 13 acres.
Long Lake:
- Collaborate with Lakeview Hospital for stormwater management opportunities above regulations.
Program Priorities
- Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Maintenance: The BCWD has a growing list of CIPs requiring long-term maintenance, including Kismet Basin, the THPP, Countryside Auto, BC Park Rock Crib, Neal Ave Raingardens, Long Lake Raingardens, Norell Ave Pond Retrofit, and the Iron Enhanced Sand Filter. Annual inspections and maintenance activities are necessary to achieve the intended water quality improvements from CIPs.
- Permitting Program: Complete a Regulatory Program review and improve BCWD's permitting process as part of the 10-year Watershed Management Plan update.
- Flood Risk Reduction Program: Assess flood management as part of the 10-year Watershed Management Plan update.
- East Metro Water Resource Education Program (EMWREP): Create programming to educate HOA’s regarding their stormwater management facilities maintenance obligations, educate on healthy buffers for water resources, and share water softener and chloride education with residents.
- Water Monitoring: Continue to partner with the Washington Conservation District to conduct baseline monitoring on BCWD lakes and streams, complete performance monitoring on recent CIPs to determine function and maintenance needs/frequency, and collect groundwater data to better understand flooding and influence on Brown’s Creek and other groundwater dependent natural resources.
Audits
Minnesota Statute 103D.355 requires watershed districts to have an annual audit completed of the books and accounts of the watershed district.
BCWD's most recent audit was the BCWD 2024 Audit [PDF]
Prior year's budgets can be found on the BCWD Archived Documents webpage.