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Morrison County weighs cuts to quad‑county Extension staffing as Sterns County proposes smaller contribution
Summary
County administrators briefed commissioners on options after Sterns County signaled it would reduce its contribution to a shared Extension program; commissioners debated moving from a four‑educator model to three educators, with a decision expected on the June 23 agenda.
County administrators told the Morrison County Board that Sterns County is preparing to reduce its contribution to the Quad County Extension partnership, prompting a choice between keeping a carryover/part‑time support position or shifting to a three‑educator model shared across the counties.
Administrator Mr. Leblanc presented data showing the quad partnership had nominally supported four Extension educators but often operated with three active positions; Sterns County has proposed reducing its portion (previously about 2.2 FTE toward the four‑person model) to roughly 1.55 FTE. That change, administrators said, makes two practical options emerge: (1) keep three educators at roughly current funding levels and use any carryover to fund a part‑time support role, or (2) split three educator FTEs proportionally with Sterns at 1.5 and the three other counties each contributing 0.5.
The transcript shows staff acknowledged gaps in historical program tracking (county‑level service counts were not consistently recorded) and said data collection will improve going forward. The administrator also reviewed staffing history and turnover, noting the region rarely had all four positions filled concurrently.
Commissioner Lamir argued for formally moving to three FTEs, saying that the partnership operated at that level much of the time: “I think we should go to three FTEEs,” he said. Other commissioners emphasized that budget decisions are the board’s responsibility and asked for clear work‑area definitions for educators under a reduced model. Commissioners also discussed salary pressures and turnover as contributing to past vacancies.
Staff and commissioners cited differing estimates of Morrison County’s near‑term savings under the options (figures mentioned in the meeting included roughly $3,600 to about $6,000, presented as staff estimates during the discussion). Commissioners asked staff to place a recommendation and options on the agenda for the June 23 board meeting so the board can make a final decision after hearing any further input from the partner counties.
No formal board action was taken during the meeting; the item will return to the board for a decision later in June.
