HILLSDALE, MI (WTVB) – . Youth programming in Hillsdale County is at the center of budget debates as the Hillsdale County Board of Commissioners weighs a draft 2027 budget featuring a proposed 16.4% funding cut to Michigan State University Extension.
The reduction would trim roughly $28,469 from the county’s Extension allocation, threatening to reduce the county’s 4-H Program Coordinator position from full-time to part-time.
According to recent reports presented to the board, the local program currently serves 375 youth across 21 active clubs, supported by 200 trained and screened volunteers.
The potential cuts have raised concern among local families and agricultural leaders, who emphasize that county-level MSU Extension support is legally required to maintain club nonprofit status, volunteer background checks, and liability coverage.
While the Hillsdale County Agricultural Society assured families that youth will still have opportunities to exhibit projects at the annual fair regardless of the vote, community members are rallying to protect the broader year-round leadership and educational programs.
Residents will have an opportunity to voice their support or concerns when the draft budget goes before a public hearing on November 24.
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