Regional Council Meeting Sept 9, 2002
Boone County Extension Center
Jim Crocker, president, opened meeting.
Howard Simmons asked to see if emails on MECCLC had been received by all counties. He had only heard from 2 or 3. He stated there will be a meeting Friday, Sept. 13 on University budget. MECCLC would like to have as many counties present as possible to show that Extension is an important part of the University.
J.D. Russell gave a short quiz, with M & M’s as prizes, on terms used around the world. He then talked on Globalization and International Exchange opportunities. He gave handouts of youth and adult opportunities.
Wesley Tucker spoke on the 2002 Farm Bill. He showed how complex the new Farm Bill will be and showed overhead work sheets about the different options that a producer can choose. One farm example showed payments of $13,000-$33,000 per year, depending on the farmer’s choice. Wesley showed that if the producer can provide the correct information they can help pick the best plan for that producer and if they can provide a farmer with an extra $20,000 per year income, then Extension is helping to improve peoples lives!
Mark Stillwell gave staffing update. There are 36 openings statewide, 5 in our region. He talked on FY03 Fiscal Planning. With todays numbers we are $2.3 million short to balance the budget. We would have to drop 40-50 positions statewide. We have 285 core positions now. On the 5 open Jobs in our region Mark needs to know what are the priority spots to be filled if funds are restored?
Much discussion was had on what to do as a council on future positions in region. Should they be filled or cut? Howard county is still very concerned about their future funding as the hiring freeze has left them with 2 open positions.
Mark will get information together for December meeting on area staffing patterns to help us decide what direction we may need to go on personel.
The meeting adjorned at 9:10 p.m.
The next meeting will be Monday, December 9, 2002 at 7 p.m. at Boone County Extension Center.
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