An extension educator told the Weston County Commission that travel and program support funding are important for required trainings, regional collaboration and youth programming, and asked the commission to restore or maintain two county line items that were reduced in the proposed budget.

The speaker said extension staff are required to attend a set of trainings and events (spring training/EPIC, state fair and a biannual regional meeting) and described travel and lodging practices that aim to minimize county cost (staying in dorms during events, shared travel among counties). The speaker said the University of Wyoming covers many in‑event costs (hotel and meals) but that county budgets typically pay mileage, some meals and local travel expenses.

The educator described program growth and outside grant support, including a roughly $15,000 NRA grant and an intern funded through UW that contributes about $8,000 in labor value to local programming. The speaker said 4‑H membership has grown to more than 180 youth (previously around 120) and that in‑region programming and regional trainings increase capacity to serve youth and volunteers.

The speaker asked commissioners to restore travel and program support line items that had been proposed for cuts, arguing those funds enable required compliance events and provide direct benefit to county youth and volunteers. Commissioners acknowledged constraints in the county budget and discussed how mandated activities (and state funding shortfalls) affect local expense burdens.

The educator said some extension costs are reimbursed by the state or UW and that the county often only covers a portion of travel and operational expenses; the speaker asked commissioners to consider that when reviewing cuts.

No formal motion or vote was taken during the remarks. Extension staff said they will follow up with the county on budget decisions and appreciated the commission’s outreach and program support to date.