University of Arizona Cooperative Extension asks county for larger recurring share to sustain programs and add food‑safety coordinator

University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Director Matt Alderson asked the Board for a $75,221 increase to Yavapai County—s FY‑2026 contribution so the Extension can cover ongoing program delivery and restore partially funded positions.

Alderson told supervisors the Extension delivers countywide programming that reaches thousands annually: 4‑H youth development, Master Gardeners, commercial horticulture and viticulture support for Yavapai—s wineries. He said the Extension brought roughly $1.2 million in salaries and program funding into the county and that for every county dollar invested the Extension returns roughly $6.35 in federal and state support.

A key request was for a 0.5 FTE food‑safety coordinator to manage the county—s food protection manager training, expand Yavapai—s Cottage Food education and support the growing number of local producers who need guidance on safe direct‑to‑consumer sales. Alderson described the food‑safety course as the county—s primary program for certified food managers and argued doubling the class count and extending training into the Verde Valley would improve safe food handling at restaurants and local producers.

Alderson also described expansion of viticulture and a newly hired commercial horticulture agent to support local wineries and horticultural businesses; he asked the board to consider the request on the basis of Extension—s broad education footprint, volunteer match (thousands of hours from Master Gardeners and 4‑H volunteers) and the program—s regional economic development role.