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OSU Extension staff propose single-educator model; commissioners raise 2027 budget and continuity concerns
Summary
Ohio State Extension staff told Ross County officials they plan to move from two educators to one educator plus a program assistant, arguing it would concentrate local programming and reduce travel; commissioners probed potential 2027 budget impacts and coverage during fairs.
OSU Extension staff came before Ross County officials to report a staffing change and propose shifting to a one-educator model supplemented by a program assistant, saying the adjustment would keep programming local and lower travel burdens.
The presenters said a recent departure left the office short-staffed and recommended posting a coordinator role (one educator) and moving some duties to an in‑county program assistant. “We think that going to a one educator model may be more effective for the county as we move forward,” a presenter said, adding the county’s carryover funds and current-year budget should cover the remainder of 2026 while the office transitions.
Commissioners questioned whether the change would require an unbudgeted appropriation in 2027 and asked how the office would cover critical events such as the county fair if staff vacancies occur. One commissioner stressed, “What would happen if we lost our educator at a time during the fair or before the fair where we really needed somebody? We’d be in big trouble unless Lisa could take that over or somebody else in the office could take that over.” The presenters said the role’s wage would be comparable to an educator’s, but travel would be lower, and their goal is to begin recruitment after the fair with a mid‑August start target.
Presenters told the board they expect the net personnel cost this year to be roughly even because one term program-assistant position would not be refilled; they also said an internal candidate, the current FCS program assistant Deborah, would be encouraged to apply. Commissioners asked the staff to monitor carryover balances and the 2027 budget request, with one member noting the county’s ability to expand budgets next year will be limited.
The board did not take a formal vote on staffing policy at the meeting. Officials instructed staff to proceed with planning and to return with further budget details and a timeline. The presenters said they would post the vacancy and report back to the board on candidate recruitment and any 2027 budget implications.
