The Franklin County Board of Commissioners approved the Franklin County Noxious Weed Control Board’s 2025 budget (Resolution 2025-318) during its Oct. 22 meeting.

The board voted to adopt the budget after a presentation by the weed board. The budget keeps the program staffed at four full‑time positions, includes a new office manager to replace a recent retiree, and authorizes a part‑time seasonal position if spring workload requires it. ‘‘I’m glad to have Heather on to take it from there,’’ the presenter said of the new office manager.

The weed board said payroll changes are modest but noted rising costs elsewhere. The budget reduces the cost‑share expense slightly to shift funds into insurance and other rising line items. The board’s long‑running cost‑share program provides financial assistance to landowners managing noxious weeds; the presenter described it as offering about $10 per acre in cost‑share for landowners working on rangeland, Conservation Reserve Program land and similar parcels.

Commissioners and the presenter discussed roadside spraying challenges and escalating chemical prices. The presenter said last year’s heavy fall rains pushed herbicide below the weed germination zone on some stretches of roadside, producing visually stunted regrowth and prompting the weed board to consider altering application “recipes” to prevent resistance. The board said it has used a mix of ground and aerial applications — including a rented drone and fixed‑wing aircraft for large areas — and uses GPS mapping to document treated areas for contracting agencies.

The weed board noted that its reserve account has grown over recent years and is being maintained as a buffer for unexpected costs. Commissioners praised the tight management and the reserve fund as helpful for future needs.

After discussion, a commissioner moved and the board unanimously approved Resolution 2025‑318 to adopt the weed board budget.

The budget takes effect as adopted; commissioners did not add further amendments during the meeting.