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Commissioners approve unique Purdue Extension contract addendum; new county extension director introduced
Summary
Clinton County commissioners voted 3-0 to authorize the president to sign a 2025 contractual services agreement with Purdue Extension that includes a county-specific addendum returning 80% of select salary fees to the county if positions remain unfilled for six months; Amy Webster was introduced as the new county extension director.
Dee Nicely, representing Purdue Extension, asked the Clinton County Board of Commissioners on March 4 to approve the county's 2025 contractual services agreement with Purdue Extension. Nicely said the contract includes an addendum unique in the state that returns 80 percent of a select salary fee to the county if certain positions remain unfilled for six months.
"We contractually are obligated to pay them an amount every year," Nicely said, explaining that the county share traditionally helps cover staff salaries. The new addendum, she said, will keep returned funds separate and permit them to be used by the extension office for repairs or other projects instead of requiring a county budget request.
Commissioners moved to have the board president sign the contract as presented; the motion carried 3-0. Nicely also introduced Amy Webster as the new county extension director. Nicely said she will serve as a consultant to Webster during the transition. Webster told commissioners the extension would return in April to present a 2024 recap and first-quarter plans at the extension's April 3 annual meeting.
Why it matters: the contract change is designed to ensure Clinton County receives budgeted value when extension positions are vacant for prolonged periods. Nicely described the arrangement as the only one in the state set up this way, and she said the returned funds would create an internal reserve for local extension services.
Next steps: commissioners signed the contract and the county will host the extension's annual meeting on April 3, when staff will deliver a fuller update on 2024 accomplishments and upcoming priorities.
