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Extension Services seeks $966,915 in FY2027 budget as county 4‑H and horticulture programs report wide reach
Summary
Dallas Marangolo told commissioners the Office of Extension Services proposes a $966,915 FY2027 budget, an 8.2% increase mainly for personnel; she highlighted outreach numbers including 22,243 class participants and 6,091 individual consultations.
Dallas Marangolo, director of the Office of Extension Services, presented the department's proposed fiscal year 2027 budget and a year of program metrics. "Today I'm here to, go over the 2027 budget for extension services," Marangolo said, noting the office's partnership with the University of Florida and Lake County and an annual proposed budget of $966,915, a $73,206 increase (8.2%) driven largely by personnel wage adjustments and higher insurance costs.
Marangolo emphasized program reach: the office reported 22,243 class participants, 6,091 individual consultations, more than 18,000 visitors to Discovery Gardens and nearly 8,846 youth enrolled in 4‑H programming. She described services ranging from plant clinics and Master Gardener volunteer events to food‑safety and fermentation classes. Marangolo also quantified internal efficiencies, noting volunteer hours and savings from interns.
Commissioners praised the outreach and asked follow‑up questions about program partnerships. The director said Extension agents are jointly employed with the University of Florida and that county funding per capita in Lake County is $2.17 compared with $1.87 in state funds from the university. The office offered to supply best‑practice materials and to work with municipalities and local partners on education and land uses tied to horticulture programs.
The board did not take formal action on the presentation; staff was asked to return with any requested clarifications and supporting data.
