Pawnee County Extension asks for $15,000 increase as newly staffed office expands programs

Angie Murray and Extension agents Kyle Grant and Jacy Buckholz presented the proposed 2027 budget for the Pawnee County Extension office, saying the department has grown in the last year after hiring two agents and is now drawing down reserves. Murray said the office submitted a "bare bones" budget and is requesting a $15,000 increase to reflect full staffing levels.

Agents described outreach and programming that support the request: in-service youth programming (sewing, leadership, community garden), internships funded by a grant, participation in larger events such as the Torch Run and Pawnee County Shoot-out, and trips to Topeka where youth testified on education legislation. Murray also warned that Kansas State University'led changes to extension districting could reduce Pawnee County's local services if the county is combined with others; commissioners asked for three weeks to review the request and asked Murray to provide materials to the clerk in advance.