4-H funding takes significant hit in draft budget for Hillsdale County
Proposed budget cuts for 2027 in Hillsdale County could reduce mental health programming and agricultural education, including 4-H, from the Michigan State University Extension . Mary Bowling of the MSU Extension told commissioners the potential loss would effectively amount to about a third of the organization’s budget during a meeting Nov. 10. “We’re not opposed to a cut, but a third of our budget would affect (our) ability to serve county residents,” she said. The tentative budget calls for a 17% reduction in funding based on the county’s memorandum of understanding, along with reductions involving a program coordinator for 4-H, according to Commissioner Brent Leininger. Bowling said the cuts could affect more than 4-H , including pesticide applicator education, mental health first aid, farm stress assistance and training under ServSafe. Nisha Ritchie, a retired educator and volunteer for 4-H, said reducing support for the coordinator position could have long-term consequences for young people in Hillsdale County. She said she's watched students grow from shy middle schoolers into confident leaders through 4-H. Without adequate coordinator support, she said, club leaders could have fewer resources and less guidance. Leininger said the municipality is facing difficult choices for 2027. The tentative general fund
Hillsdale County, MI · 1d
