The Seward County Commission held a work session on June 18, 2025, focusing on several key topics, including the growth of the local 4-H program and budget considerations for the upcoming year.

One of the primary discussions centered around the Seward County 4-H program, which has seen an increase in participation. Members of the extension board highlighted the contrast between Seward County and neighboring counties, noting that while Seward County is the largest in size, it has the smallest 4-H membership. The addition of a new 4-H club this year has positively impacted enrollment numbers, and efforts are underway to encourage participation from nearby counties, particularly in livestock and exhibit categories.

The commission also discussed the logistics of the upcoming county fair, scheduled for August 4-10, 2025. Plans for the fair include a significant increase in the number of pork burgers to be served, with 550 burgers ordered from Seaboard. The fair aims to enhance community engagement and showcase local talent through various exhibits, with changes made to the fair book to allow for more entries in different categories.

In addition to the 4-H discussions, the meeting touched on budgetary matters, particularly regarding information technology expenses. The commission is considering transitioning to open-source software to reduce licensing costs associated with Microsoft products. This move could lead to significant savings in the long term, although it will require careful planning and implementation.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to fostering youth programs and managing resources effectively as it prepares for the upcoming fair and the new fiscal year. The commission plans to continue discussions on these topics in future meetings, ensuring that community needs are met while maintaining fiscal responsibility.