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Douglas County approves annual UNR Cooperative Extension budget for FY26
Summary
After a presentation on FY24 activities and FY26 proposals, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the University of Nevada, Reno Cooperative Extension budget to continue extension programming in Douglas County.
The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the University of Nevada, Reno Cooperative Extension annual budget for fiscal year 2026 following a presentation on program activity in FY24 and a proposed FY26 spending plan.
Holly Gatsky, area director with UNR Cooperative Extension, and County Coordinator Kenya (Kina) Vander Voort outlined FY24 outputs and FY26 budget priorities. Gatsky highlighted youth programming: 206 youth enrolled in 4‑H in FY24, 22 volunteers supporting programs and robust participation in camps and statewide expos. Extension also reported active horticulture and radon education programs: 339 radon test results were processed in FY24, with 90 readings above 4 pCi/L and 37 mitigations completed.
Vander Voort described the FY26 proposal as primarily funded by the local ad valorem tax pass‑through that the county collects and forwards to UNR. She said the proposed budget emphasizes salary and benefits to restore staffing, sets aside funds for building maintenance for the aging facility and includes a modest contingency and professional development funding. Cathy Lewis, Chief Operating Officer for Douglas County, reminded the board that the county collects the UNR ad valorem rate on property tax bills and passes funds through to the university.
During public comment, Jason Gibson raised concerns about Cooperative Extension priorities and representation; his remarks were recorded as public comment and are part of the meeting transcript.
Motion and vote: Commissioner Gardner moved to adopt the annual UNR Cooperative Extension budget as presented; Commissioner Rice seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
Why it matters: Cooperative Extension delivers locally focused education in agriculture, youth development (4‑H), horticulture, wildfire preparedness and health programs funded largely by local ad valorem tax support plus state, federal and grant dollars. The approved budget funds program delivery and efforts to stabilize operations while the office transitions staff.
