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Coffey County Extension asks commission for $243,539 for 4‑H and staff costs
Summary
Coffey County Extension leaders presented a 2026 budget request to the commission, seeking $243,539 to support 4‑H youth programming, staff cost‑of‑living adjustments and operating expenses.
Jill Barnhart, Coffey County extension agent, told commissioners the Extension Council is requesting $243,539 in county support for fiscal 2026 to run local 4‑H programming and cover staff and operating costs. "We are asking the county for $243,539," Barnhart said.
Barnhart said the office administers the county’s 4‑H youth program. She reported current enrollment of 161 youth and an additional 18 ‘‘Cobrabas’’ (younger participants ages about 5–6 who are not full 4‑H members). She said volunteers are background‑checked and that K‑State (Kansas State University) subsidizes some agent payroll; Barnhart said she expects K‑State support to be about $40,231 next year.
Commissioners asked for clarification of a $15,000 reimbursement line in the budget. Barnhart and an extension council member explained that the reimbursement line is a place to record incoming grant or sponsorship funds that are not guaranteed and that the funds would flow through the council’s accounts when received.
Barnhart also said the request reflects routine cost‑of‑living increases and rising insurance costs. She described no large capital needs for 2025; a vehicle was purchased in 2024 and the council is only planning smaller equipment replacement in 2026.
No formal vote on the extension budget request was taken at the meeting; commissioners indicated they would consider the request as part of the overall county budget process.
