Jefferson County Extension asks council for larger 2026 appropriation to restore staff and expand 4‑H

The Jefferson County Council heard a request from the University of Missouri Extension and the Jefferson County Extension Council on funding and local services.

Misty Ritter, extension engagement specialist for Jefferson County, outlined Extension programs hosted at the 3rd Street Annex — agriculture and horticulture support, youth development through 4‑H, nutrition education and small‑business help via the Small Business Development Center. Ritter noted the local office is open weekdays and provides in‑person, online and phone services to residents across the county.

Kevin Polite, identified in the transcript as chair of the Jefferson County Extension Council, told the council the Extension serves every voting district and all school districts, and detailed staffing and program impacts from federal funding cuts. "We have graciously received the same appropriations from the county of 84,700 for 14 years," he said, and asked the council to approve a total appropriation of $117,225 for 2026. Polite clarified the requested figure is "not in addition, but inclusive of that 84,700." He said the additional funds would help restore positions trimmed during recent federal SNAP‑education reductions and allow the university to cost‑share an FTE to strengthen 4‑H programming.

Council members asked staff to confirm the budget math and thanked the presenters for the local services they provide. No formal vote on the appropriation was recorded during the work session; Polite closed by offering to follow up with council members individually.

The council did not take immediate action; the request will move through the normal budget process and any appropriation would appear in the county’s 2026 budgeting schedule.