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Commissioners approve budget line-item changes to permit hiring two Ag Extension agents
Summary
Commissioners authorized a line-item transfer that allows the judge's office to fill two agricultural extension positions after a state hiring freeze lifted; the court approved dividing currently budgeted funds to hire both agents this year and restore full funding in the 2026 budget.
Newton County commissioners approved a line-item transfer to allow the county to hire two agricultural extension positions this year after a state hiring freeze lifted.
The court heard that longtime Ag Extension employee Kathy Pearson retired, and the position had not been budgeted this year because the state had imposed a hiring freeze when budgets were prepared. During the meeting the auditor and other officials explained the county already has funds in the budget sufficient for one agent’s salary and associated insurance; the proposal is to reallocate existing line items now so the county can fill two positions in June and then restore full funding in the 2026 budget.
The court discussed specific figures: the actual extension agent salary cited was $14,348, insurance of $13,001.64 and travel/benefits in the range of $7,200–$7,800 (figures reported by county staff during the meeting). Commissioners described the plan as moving existing budgeted money to allow hiring now and adding the full position cost back into the 2026 budget.
Commissioner Powell moved to modify the current budget line items to allow the judge’s office to fill the two positions; Commissioner White seconded. The motion passed by voice vote.
County staff said hiring and onboarding will proceed under state reporting rules for extension positions and that the hiring process is already underway.
