[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Council of the Town of Tolland 1-22-2019 by Ord. No. 93. Amendments noted where applicable.]
The purpose of this chapter is to provide a mechanism for the Conservation Commission to accept gifts, donations and other contributions and to raise funds in order to promote conservation education, activities and efforts in Tolland. This fund is not intended for the purchase of land nor activities necessary for the purchase of land, such as surveys, appraisals, and similar activities.
Contributions to the fund shall be received from:
A. 
Moneys received by the Town from grants.
B. 
Appropriations made in the annual budget or special appropriations.
C. 
Donations, gifts, or bequests from public and private individuals and entities.
D. 
Proceeds from activities and initiatives of the Conservation Commission.
E. 
Any other moneys appropriated to the fund by the Town Council.
The funds which remain at the close of each fiscal year within the Conservation Fund shall remain in the fund balance of such fund and shall not, therefore, be lapsed to the balance of the general fund.
The fund shall be in the custody of the Treasurer of the Town of Tolland, and all or any part of the moneys in said fund may, from time to time, be invested in any securities in which public funds may lawfully be invested. All income derived from such investments shall be paid into the fund and become a part thereof. The moneys so invested shall at all times be subject to withdrawal as provided in § 6A-5. The Town Treasurer and Director of Finance shall exercise control and administration of the Conservation Fund in accordance with their duties under the Town Charter.
By a majority vote of the members of the Conservation Commission, funds may be used for:
A. 
Creating or purchasing products that promote conservation education activities and conservation lands in Tolland. Such products may be offered for free or sold by the Conservation Commission.
B. 
Purchasing services to promote conservation education activities and conservation lands in Tolland.
C. 
Providing scholarship money for students pursuing college-level environmental studies or closely related studies.
D. 
Purchasing prizes for conservation-related contests.
E. 
Purchasing materials and equipment to maintain and improve Tolland Conservation Areas.
F. 
Providing recognition to individuals who have provided exemplary service to the Town in the field of conservation.
G. 
Paying expenses related to educational workshops such as for speakers, facilities, equipment, supplies and other direct costs.
H. 
Other items not typically addressed in the Town budget and which meet the purpose of this chapter by a majority vote of all members.
The fund shall continue in existence until by ordinance it is determined to amend or discontinue the fund. Upon dissolution of the fund, any remaining balances shall be paid into the general fund.