Finance of operation of conservation district; moneys from county general fund; tax levies; use of moneys

The board of county commissioners, upon request of the board of supervisors of the conservation district, may pay to the district moneys from the county general fund for the supervisors to carry out their duties under this act. In addition to moneys from the county general fund, the board of county commissioners may levy an annual tax against the taxable tangible property within the district, not to exceed 2 mills or $55,000 whichever is less, to provide additional moneys for the operation of the conservation district. The levy shall be sufficient to pay a portion of the principal and interest on bonds issued under the authority of K.S.A. 12-1774, and amendments thereto, by cities located in the county, which levy may be in addition to all other tax levies authorized by law and not subject to or within any tax levy limit or aggregate tax levy limit prescribed by law. Funds appropriated or allocated under the provisions of this section and K.S.A. 2-1907c, and amendments thereto, shall be used to carry out the activities and functions of the district including cost of travel and expenses of supervisors and employees of the district, educational materials, conservation awards, annual meeting expenses, excluding meals, and membership dues to conservation related organizations. Such funds shall not be used for prizes, or incentives for achievements or attendance at meetings or for travel or expenses for anyone other than supervisors and employees of the district.