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Williams County pledges funding for NDSU horticulture agent, reclassifies extension administrative post and seeks return of unused greenhouse grant
Summary
County commissioners agreed to commit local share funding for half of a horticulture extension agent if the position becomes available, reclassified a part-time NDSU Extension administrative assistant position to full-time, and voted to request return of a previously issued $400,000 grant for a greenhouse that has not been built.
Williams County commissioners on May 6 approved a three-part action relating to NDSU Extension: a county commitment to fund half the salary of a horticulture agent if the position becomes available statewide; a reclassification of a part-time NDSU Extension administrative assistant to full-time; and a motion requesting return of a previously issued $400,000 county payment toward a greenhouse project that has not been constructed.
Helen (county staff) explained the county’s historical agreement with NDSU Extension: counties typically fund 50 percent of an extension agent’s salary while NDSU funds the other half. She said county staff and a commissioner had been in discussions with NDSU about adding a horticulture agent to serve local needs, and that the county has funds available in the 2025 budget to cover its share if the position is opened. Commissioners voted to signal their interest and provide funding authority so NDSU can pursue the position allocation.
Separately, staff said an administrative assistant position in the Extension office that had been reduced to part time during a prior reorganization should be restored to full-time status because workload now supports that staffing level; the board approved reclassification and funding in the 2025 budget.
On an older grant, staff and commissioners explained that Williams County provided $400,000 in 2019 toward an NDSU Research Station greenhouse project that has not been constructed. County staff said the original project’s management has changed, the greenhouse was never built, and county practice has since shifted away from issuing full checks before project milestones. The board approved a motion requesting that NDSU return the $400,000; commissioners said the county would consider future requests if NDSU later proposes a specific, timely project and provides appropriate milestones and oversight.
The board’s votes were by roll call and carried with all present voting yes. Staff will follow up with NDSU on the agent position, post the administrative reclassification, and send formal notice requesting the return of the $400,000 if the university does not present a current plan and timeline for the greenhouse.
