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Morrison County discusses cutting quad-county Extension from four to three educators; decision set for June 23
Summary
After Stearns County signaled it will reduce its Extension contribution, Morrison County commissioners discussed two options—keep three educators with shared/part-time support or redistribute FTEs among four counties—and agreed to consider a formal funding decision at their June 23 meeting.
County administrators updated the Morrison County Board on proposed changes to a quad-county Extension agreement after Stearns County signaled it would reduce its contribution. Staff presented two main options: maintain three full-time educators for the partnership and use carryover funds to fund a part-time/shared position, or distribute three educators' costs across the counties (Stearns 1.55 FTE; the other counties 0.5 each).
Administrator Mr. Leblanc reported that Stearns County previously contributed about 2.2 of the four FTEs and is proposing to reduce that to about 1.55, and that over the last three years the four-FTE model was often staffed at three positions because of vacancies and turnover. "So now Stearns County … was contributing 2.2 of the 4.0. Stearns County's position is to reduce that contribution to 1.55," Mr. Leblanc said. He described two budget-splitting proposals and the operational implications for program focus areas.
Commissioners debated whether Morrison County should preserve its existing budget allocation (about $56,650) to support a part-time position that would help during peak seasons, or reduce its contribution and accept smaller savings (roughly $6,000 in one scenario). Commissioner Lamir expressed support for moving to three FTEs, noting that the group often operated at three positions in practice. Staff and commissioners said retention and salary competition from private employers have driven turnover in recent years.
The board did not take final action but asked staff to place the funding decision on the June 23 agenda and to continue discussions with the other county boards and extension leadership about the precise financial split and program priorities.
