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JEFFERSON COUNTY, N.Y. -- A new interim executive director was appointed to the Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District Monday after the former executive director Brian Wohnsiedler resigned after 12 years in the position.

His departure came after the board of directors uncovered a severe shortfall in the organization's finances. Committee members say restricted funds were used to plug gaps.

"We did find out the executive director had transferred money from grants, state grants, that were restricted funds to cover some of the expenses and that, of course, is a no no. Restricted funds have to be left in a separate account and cannot be used for general fund purposes," said board committee member Michael Behling.

Wohnsiedler has denied any wrongdoing.

Soil and Water Districts are used to implement environmental and agricultural projects and are primarily funded by the state.