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4‑H leader tells Fergus County commissioners staffing problems are 'hurting the kids'; county pledges support
Summary
Kylie King Thompson, a 4‑H leader and parent, raised concerns that office staffing problems and disorganization are harming youth programming; county officials said they do not intend to stop rehiring, will provide support through the fair and will pursue training and coordination with MSU afterward.
During public comment on July 10, 4‑H leader and parent Kylie King Thompson told Fergus County commissioners that staffing problems in the 4‑H office were disrupting volunteer leaders and participants and said she had heard rumors that staff would not be rehired. "It stinks...it's really, really hectic, and it's only hurting the kids," Thompson said, adding that volunteers had been forced to scramble to contact parents and confirm signups.
County officials responded directly, saying "we don't have any intent of not rehiring" and that their goal is to set up future employees for success. A commissioner acknowledged the difficulty of placing staff two weeks before the fair and pledged increased support during the event. Officials said they are coordinating with Montana State University (MSU) on training and supervision because county employees are supervised through MSU in that program structure.
Thompson said younger agents, recently out of college, face confusion between policy and practice and that volunteers are having to compensate; the board offered support and encouraged documentation and training to reduce future disruptions. A county representative offered to help with reporting or administrative tasks and said a fuller staffing and training response would follow the fair.
The exchange concluded with commissioners thanking Thompson and reaffirming support for 4‑H volunteers and youth programming.
