Union County approves $40,000 extension agreement and one-time $10,000 donation to University of Illinois Extension

Jody, a representative of the University of Illinois Extension, asked Union County commissioners on April 14 to continue the office’s regular $40,000 annual funding and to approve a one-time $10,000 contribution to cover lease and staffing shortfalls created after cuts to the SNAP Education program.

The request followed a presentation in which Jody described program activity in Union County — robotics and team-leader initiatives, Minecraft-based natural-resources education, embryology and butterfly classroom projects — and said the local extension office has reduced staff after federal funding changes. "I'm asking for 10,000 extra dollars to help with some of that cost," Jody said, describing the payment as intended primarily to help cover the office lease and preserve a local footprint.

Jody told commissioners the extension’s regular annual request is $40,000 and that the additional $10,000 is a one-time ask from the county’s general fund. She said local contributions are often matched by state funds and that a local match could therefore leverage additional dollars: "when local entities make a commitment and donation like you do, the state of Illinois matches this money," she said.

Commissioners questioned whether the one-time money would be used for building/lease costs or payroll. Jody said the funds were intended mostly to keep the local lease and office operations viable after staff reductions caused by loss of SNAP Education funding; she described efforts to seek additional grants and outreach to neighboring counties for possible support.

After discussion, Chair moved to approve the 2026–2027 funding agreement beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027. The commission recorded affirmative votes and approved the regular funding agreement. The commission then voted to approve the one-time $10,000 appropriation from the general fund; commissioners recorded affirmative votes and the motion carried.

Jody said she would provide follow-up details by email and continue outreach to county partners and potential funders. The extension representative also thanked commissioners for their support and emphasized continued grant-seeking to fill operating gaps.

The meeting record shows the commission approved both the annual funding agreement and the one-time appropriation by affirmative vote; no opposing votes were recorded in the transcript.