IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Dickinson County Board once again voted down funding for Michigan State University Extension services. The decision was made on Monday night with a 4–1 vote.
Monday’s vote confirmed the board’s earlier stance on denying money for the local Extension coordinator, which will effectively shut down all extension programs, including 4-H. The meeting was a last-ditch effort by community members and extension officials to persuade commissioners to support the funding.
“You know, this was already settled. They knew back then that the funding was cut. This was just a, I don’t know, we’re re-voting on it,” said board chair Dan Harrington.
“You know, it’s unfortunate that they weren’t really willing to listen. And they clearly had their minds made up. They have prepared statements. So clearly they were already looking to say no before they even had anything for me to say or any of the public,” said MSU Extension District 1 Director, Paul Putnam.
Back in December, the previous board approved an $81,000 allocation for extension services, but in January, the newly seated board rescinded that commitment. Commissioners later agreed to revisit the issue and listen to testimony from both residents and Michigan State Extension representatives. Still, the outcome remained unchanged.
With not securing funding, especially county funding, we will have to shut this office down,” said Putnam.
During the meeting, the Board spent nearly 50 minutes hearing public comment, much of it favoring The MSU Extension and 4-H programs.
“So I’m asking you guys, please allocate the money,” said a local resident.
After the rejection, Commissioner Joe Stevenson and Paul Putnam pitched a compromise, a $40,000 allocation, half the original request. That motion also failed. Opponents on the board argued that Michigan State already has billions in endowments, though extension officials pointed out that those dollars are already earmarked elsewhere.
“All of the interest and whatnot on these foundations and endowments is already allocated via contracts,” said Putnam.
Board Chair Dan Harrington further minimized the impact of 4-H within Dickinson County.
“Most of the farmers’ groups in our county are not 4-H; 4-H is, ah, I think I could be wrong on this, but it’s a trademark, affiliated thing with Michigan State. Many of the farmer groups that call themselves 4-H are not 4-H,” said Harrington.
With the future of 4-H in jeopardy in Dickinson County, MSU officials say this year’s 4-H activities at the county fair will go on as usual. They are, however, uncertain about next year’s fair.
