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Commission votes to keep county-funded extension office position after debate
Summary
After discussion about federal funding being cut, the commission approved a resolution to keep an extension office employee on county payroll (second reading); an amendment to provide three months' severance instead of retention failed for lack of a second.
The commission approved on second reading a budget resolution to retain an extension office position that the federal government previously funded. Discussion identified that the federal funding was being discontinued and the county was asked to absorb the $37,429 annual cost; a commissioner proposed an amendment to provide three months' severance ($9,357.25) instead of retaining the position to avoid an ongoing budget commitment. That amendment failed for lack of a second, commissioners debated the value of the position, and the resolution passed on second reading by a recorded vote of 21 in favor and 1 opposed.
Supporters cited the extension office's services — nutrition and outreach to seniors and lower-income residents — and noted the county had little time to include the position in the annual budget after the state/federal decision. Opponents questioned adding ongoing cost amid other budget pressures but the commission expressed willingness to keep the position at this time.
