Extension Director Amy told the County Council that the department's 2026 budget is largely flat but centers on one staffing question: converting part‑time positions into a single full‑time program assistant to reduce overtime and provide coverage during outreach events like 4‑H and conservation days. "If I could combine those 3 part or 2 part time positions and the extra help line item…that would eliminate all overtime," Amy said.

Amy described current operational strains: educators travel to events and the office frequently operates with a single person on duty during lunch and meetings, forcing phone calls to voicemail. The office currently shares janitorial and facility costs with a colocated learning network and recently renegotiated a 50/50 split for cleaning after a retirement left the building without janitorial coverage.

On compensation and contracting, Amy said Purdue Extension staff had been told there would be a 0% raise in the near term, and Purdue is managing a systemwide budget shortfall. "Purdue Extension is looking at a $2,000,000 deficit," she said. Amy asked the council to consider whether the county could absorb the health‑insurance cost if a new full‑time hire enrolls in family coverage; she estimated adding a fully insured employee could increase county health premiums by about $20,000–$23,000.

Council members discussed creative staffing options such as hiring multiple part‑time workers to avoid benefit costs, but Amy favored a full‑time hire for retention. She said if the council cannot fund the new full‑time position in 2026, the department would like to revert to its 2025 structure (a mix of part‑time employees and extra‑help funding) rather than reduce current coverage.

Amy also noted modest changes elsewhere in her budget, including a Purdue contractual services request (3% increase) and reallocation within office supplies and postage because of increased electronic delivery of materials. The council did not take action but asked budget staff to consolidate options and cost estimates for benefit‑related changes.