MSU Extension contract approved; director and extension leader warn of SNAP‑Ed staffing losses

The Muskegon County Human Services Committee voted to accept an extension services agreement with Michigan State University Extension for fiscal year 2026 (HS 2510‑54) and authorized the chair to sign the agreement. The motion was moved by Commissioner Cook and supported by Chair Nash and passed by voice vote.

James Kelly, District Director for MSU Extension, told the committee that MSU Extension had sent the quarterly report and placed a hard copy on commissioners' desks. He said the program had to eliminate 94 SNAP‑Ed staff across Michigan "about some month ago" and that the change resulted in the loss of one 100% federally grant‑funded position in Muskegon County, which has paused that local SNAP‑Ed programming. "That position was 100% federal grant funded," Kelly said, and staff are exploring alternative structures to restore services.

Public Health Director Cathy Moore described the MSU Extension relationship as a "long standing agreement" that benefits Muskegon County residents by providing nutrition education and other community services; she noted the extension serves a five‑county region while some staff are hosted locally. Commissioners asked several clarifying questions about the services MSU Extension provides, including insect identification and nutrition outreach.

The committee approved the extension agreement by voice vote. The document in the packet and the quarter report are available to commissioners for further review, and the public health director said the partnership gives the county access to nationally recognized extension resources.