NMSU Extension asks Roosevelt County to restore Family Consumer Science (home economist) position

Patrick Kircher, Roosevelt County 4‑H agent, asked the commission on March 19 to restore a Family Consumer Science (home economist) position previously eliminated by New Mexico State University budget cuts. Kircher said the county retained a 4‑H agent position after a 2010 cut and that the home economist role was cut after a 2016 retirement.

Kircher provided a handout with budget options and said Roosevelt County currently has more than 100 4‑H members — “more than 60% of those participating in some type of home economics project” — and more than 75 adult members in county extension clubs. He argued the position would meet an “obvious need” and said he would follow up with the county and NMSU during the FY25 budget process.

Commissioner Roy Lee Criswell and Commissioner Rodney Savage expressed support for pursuing partial county funding and consulting with NMSU to identify full funding options. The commission took no formal action at the meeting; further consideration will occur in the budget process.