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UNH Cooperative Extension seeks $175,683 from county to maintain staff and local programs
Summary
UNH Cooperative Extension requested $175,683 to support county staff and local programming; the presenter said the county covers about 35% of local extension costs and that volunteers help multiply the office's impact across Strafford towns.
Kaitlyn Wall represented UNH Cooperative Extension in Strafford County and explained the office's role as the outreach arm of the land-grant university. Wall said the county share of local extension funding is about 35% and that the FY2025 request is $175,683, an approximately 3% cost-of-living increase to sustain staff and operations.
"Every county in New Hampshire has a Cooperative Extension office," Wall said, noting five program teams (food and agriculture, natural resources, youth development, health and wellbeing, community and economic development) and roughly 700 volunteers who support county programs.
Committee members asked about the ratio of administrative overhead to program costs; Wall explained the county funds pay for a locally based position that enables grant-seeking and continuity, and that some positions are disproportionately county-funded because of how state/federal matches apply.
Members also asked about continuing effects from state and university-level funding decisions; Wall said the office is monitoring changes but that local staffing needs remain. The subcommittee requested follow-up on exact administrative cost breakdowns and how county funds support local program continuity.
