Extension leaders ask Roosevelt County to fund full‑time Home Economics position

Meredith Eaton, vice‑president of the New Mexico Extension Association, along with Sarah Clark and Darla Reed, addressed the commission on April 9 to request county support for a full‑time Home Economics position in the Roosevelt County Extension Office.

Eaton presented a Volunteer Hours & Dollars Summary for Q1–Q3 2023 and said the paid position would replace volunteer hours and donated resources provided by extension club members, while offering expanded activities and projects for young people in the county. Commissioners expressed support in concept: Commissioner Roy Lee Criswell reported John Bourne (extension leadership in Las Cruces) had offered to help split the position cost 50/50 and suggested a presentation during upcoming budget workshops; Commissioner Tina Dixon said she is in favor. No vote or budget allocation occurred at the meeting; Hamilton and commissioners said the request can be considered during the FY25 budget workshop schedule the manager proposed.

The request will be added to budget workshop discussions where staffing and funding options can be debated and a formal recommendation, if any, will be brought back to the board.