Supporters of the University of Illinois Extension Programs, including 4H, jammed into the Marion County Courthouse Monday night to ask the county board to return the money zeroed out of the budget for the program.
During the conversation, the county board learned the levy had been approved by voters and the $163,200 could not be eliminated as a budget cut by the board.
Board Chair Steve Whritenour says the mistake will be corrected at the full Marion County Board meeting later this month.
“The referendum was actually passed in November of 1991,” Whritenour said. “I felt that Bellweather or somebody should have brought this to our attention, saying ‘Hey, this is a line item you can’t touch.’ This is money that was levied. There was an oversight. Here in two weeks at our full county board meeting we will bring up to the full board that we have money in contingency.”
Bellweather is the company that helps Marion County with budgeting.
Several spoke in favor of the University of Illinois programs, including County Extension Director Jordee Koehler who explained that the local contribution is nearly doubled by the University to provide programming. Rob Schnitker spoke of working with the U of I on food sustainability programs, including Snap Ed training and community gardens. Leslie Britt of Patoka, who has been involved in 4H for 40 years, and current 4H and 4H Foundation member Ella Douglas spoke of what the program means to youth.
“4H cultivates well-rounded individuals as you see here tonight by providing a platform for developing public speaking, communication, leadership and teamwork skills,” Douglas said. “Participation in activities for myself in livestock judging and showing, along with involvement in teams and clubs, offer invaluable experiences that shape future generations like you see here today.”
Koehler will be at the full county board meeting to explain the U of I programming for members who are unaware.
Whritenour said he was also unaware three county board members are supposed to be serving with four others on an oversight board for the U of I programming.
