Washington State University Extension representatives reviewed their 2026 budget request and described modest net reductions to county-funded line items while reaffirming that a memorandum of understanding with the county will continue to fund part of their local staffing.

The presentation outlined specific line-item changes and explained how the MOU covers a portion of WSU faculty salaries embedded in the county budget. WSU representatives also said internal regionalization of administrative duties at WSU will change how local faculty spend their time, but that county-level service and local points of contact will remain intact.

WSU Extension representative Jennifer Leach said professional services and contract spending reflected a proposed reduction from $59,007 in the current budget to $55,000 in 2026, a $4,007 decrease based on historical trend analysis. Mileage was budgeted at $25 for administrative reimbursements. Lease/rental equipment was adjusted slightly upward from $2,680 to a proposed $2,700 (a roughly $20 increase). Leach also said utilities for the Cougar Cottage demonstration garden — previously paid by the fairgrounds — were being moved onto the county’s water meter and the budget line for those utilities was increased from $3,800 to $4,500 (a $700 increase). Taken together, Leach said those line items showed a projected total decrease of $3,262 for the local extension budget.

Leach explained that the county pays a portion of WSU employees through the MOU; WSU provides most other staff. She noted Gary Frederick is retired and WSU hopes to replace that position with a half-time master gardener program coordinator funded under the MOU. Jim Croft, who said he serves as a director of county administration for WSU, participated remotely and told commissioners he supported moving forward with the budget as presented.

Leach said WSU is considering regionalization of some administrative duties so faculty can concentrate more on programming. She said the local extension office will remain the county’s point of contact. Leach added that WSU master gardeners serving in Cowlitz County complete national background checks, report volunteer hours to WSU’s system and are covered by L&I while volunteering on behalf of WSU.

The board did not take a formal vote during the presentation; commissioners thanked the presenters and acknowledged the extension’s programming and volunteer capacity.

Looking ahead, WSU said it may fill the recently vacated role (retired employee) with a half-time master gardener coordinator funded through the existing MOU and that any administrative realignments at WSU are intended to preserve local programming capacity.

Ending: Commissioners expressed appreciation for the extension’s programs and for the proposed small reduction in county-funded costs. The county and WSU staff indicated they will continue working through staffing and MOU details as the county’s budget process proceeds.