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Newton County court approves line-item transfer to restore Ag Extension staffing
Summary
The court approved reallocating existing budget line items so the judge’s office can fill two Ag Extension positions: staff cited salary, insurance and travel amounts and said the money already exists in the budget and will be split between positions.
Newton County commissioners approved a line-item transfer to restore funding for Ag Extension staffing after the retirement of an extension agent and a prior state hiring freeze.
Staff told the court the county did not budget the position the previous fiscal year because of a state hiring freeze. With state hiring reopening, the extension office is preparing to fill two positions. Staff provided compensation figures: about $14,348 for the extension-agent salary, $13,001.64 for insurance, and $7,200–$7,800 for travel. The court approved moving existing line items so the judge's office can hire and split costs across positions this year, with the judge's office expected to add the position back into the FY26 budget.
Chair said the money is already in the budget for one agent and that transferring and dividing the money will allow hiring now; the motion passed on voice vote. Staff said recruiting and interviews are underway.
Why it matters: Restoring Ag Extension staffing affects county agriculture outreach, education and support programs; timely hiring will restore county extension services to residents.
