Warren County approves Purdue Extension pilot to share educators across counties

Warren County commissioners voted to approve a Purdue Extension contract that will pilot a multi‑county service model sharing extension educators across neighboring counties.

Josh Monroe, who identified himself as area supervisor for the Northwest District of Indiana, told the board the pilot will pair Warren County with several nearby counties so residents have access to multiple Health & Human Sciences (HHS), ANR and 4‑H educators instead of relying on one or two local staff. "What we've decided to try to do is to move services based contract in small positive counties together, to provide more services," Monroe said, and announced a tentative first public feedback session in Warren County on Oct. 2.

Commissioners asked for assurances that Warren County would not be overlooked in the regional arrangement and that local needs assessments already completed by Emily and John would be used to prioritize services. Monroe said staff would begin calendaring and needs‑assessment work in September so the pilot can start engaging residents before the formal contract cycle in January 2026.

During the vote, a commissioner moved to approve the contract, a second was recorded, and the motion passed by voice vote. Board discussion referenced the contract paperwork and a budgeted line‑item amount shown on the contract documents; staff said the 3% pay increase for extension personnel was already included in the county budget.

The board requested that staff be the point of contact for follow‑up and that commissioners be invited to the feedback sessions to evaluate whether the regional model meets Warren County's needs. The decision was procedural — the pilot proceeds with the contract the board approved; commissioners will receive reports and invitations to the feedback sessions in each partner county.