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Harrison County extension agent warns youth programs at risk as federal funding ends
Summary
Miss McDonald told county leaders that federal Better Living for Texans and related SNAP funding will end, forcing the extension office to shift local funds to sustain 4‑H and a youth garden program and to request roughly an $8,000 increase for travel and staff costs. Commissioners asked for spending detail, discussed recent equipment purchases and potential facility changes, and approved adjournment.
Miss McDonald, the county extension office representative, told the meeting the office is seeking an increase in its travel and office‑staff line to cover rising costs and to sustain youth programs after recent federal funding changes.
The request, summarized by the presiding official as “about an $8,000 increase,” is intended to cover travel expenditures and higher staff pay tied to an added 4‑H agent. “That program is gonna go away,” Miss McDonald said of the federal Better Living for Texans (BLT) grant, noting BLT funding and certain SNAP‑related support ended as of September 30; she said the extension office will have to use more local budget lines to continue the youth garden and 4‑H activities at Sam Houston and Karnak schools.
Why it matters: the BLT and SNAP changes remove a predictable funding source for nutrition education and youth gardening. Miss McDonald described how the Learn, Grow, E‑Grow garden program provides weekly tastings and recipe demonstrations and requires recurring supplies—soil, seeds, utensils, plates and napkins—as well as covers some 4‑H registration fees and travel to state events. Without federal support, the office expects to shift those costs into its local budget unless alternative funding is found.
County leaders pressed for specifics. The presiding official noted the extension’s summary shows the roughly $8,000 request and urged staff to track actual spending next year to determine whether the full amount is needed. “If you spend $10,000 this coming year, maybe you don't need $16,000,” the presiding official said, urging a closer look before finalizing allocations.
The meeting also reviewed recent purchases and facility needs. Officials confirmed the county ordered a ConX storage container and gun safes, and that about $12,000 had been spent or encumbered for those items. Staff explained adding a second door to the ConX would have increased cost by roughly $2,000–$3,000, so the county purchased a single‑door model. Miss McDonald also said the kitchen’s ice maker stopped working and that a replacement had been purchased; participants discussed possible folding partitions or other solutions to close the kitchen from the meeting area when needed for safety or demonstrations.
On equipment, Miss McDonald noted some conference‑room chairs with pleather coverings are beginning to shred and may need replacement; the extension’s equipment line includes $2,000 for chairs and $2,000 for tables carried from last year. Commissioners and staff agreed Miss McDonald should consult Brad (facilities) about structural and cost implications for any permanent changes and report back.
The meeting concluded with a procedural motion to adjourn. The presiding official stated “Timmons to adjourn,” the motion was seconded, there was no opposition, and the court adjourned at 11:11.
What’s next: county leaders asked extension staff to return with spending details and any cost estimates from facilities so the court can finalize budget decisions during upcoming meetings.
