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Montcalm County approves 2026 operating agreement with MSU Extension for education and staffing support
Summary
The Montcalm County Board approved a 2026 memorandum of agreement with Michigan State University Extension to fund specified Extension services including 4-H coordination, clerical support and a field crops educator totaling $276,005.89; county provides office space and indirect cost reimbursement.
The Montcalm County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 22 approved a 2026 memorandum of agreement with Michigan State University Extension to fund specific Extension services and staff in the county.
The agreement covers a base assessment and line items for 4‑H program coordination, a full‑time clerical support position and 0.8 of a field crops educator, for a total contractual-services amount of $276,005.89, the board was told.
“Those are the line items of contractual services that total $276,005.89,” said Bill Hendryon, MSU Extension, as he summarized the agreement for commissioners. Hendryon said the agreement codifies MSU Extension’s role providing programming in agriculture and agribusiness, children and youth development (including 4‑H), health and nutrition, community food and environment, and oversight for local Extension staff.
Hendryon also explained that the county provides office space and that indirect costs are charged back to the millage that funds Extension services in Montcalm County.
Commissioners asked for clarification about staffing and costs. Hendryon identified Steve Whittington as the field crops educator whose pro‑rated cost is represented by the 0.8 FTE line item, and said the $97,000 figure associated with that line reflects salary plus legacy costs and benefits averaged by the statewide formula.
Vice Chairman Peterson moved to approve the 2026 memorandum of agreement and allow for appropriate signatures; the motion was supported, called, and carried without recorded opposition.
Hendryon told the board MSU Extension ran 275 county programs in 2024 and praised local volunteers. He also noted that a SNAP‑education position will end Sept. 30 due to a funding cut and that health and nutrition programming will continue through other health educators as the office seeks alternative funding and internal adjustments.
The board’s approval authorizes the county to enter the contract and direct appropriate signatures; specifics of budget submissions and any items outside the MOA will be addressed through the county’s normal budget process.
The board did not record individual roll‑call votes in the meeting minutes for this motion; minutes show the motion carried.
