I presented a state-wide budget update to members of the UNH Cooperative Extension State Advisory Council when it met Oct. 15 in Concord.

With a projected $1 million deficit, a drop in state and county funding, along with an increase in costs, UNH Cooperative Extension will face fiscal challenges this coming year. I have been working closely with university officials to address these challenges as UNH reviews its budgeting process over the next several months. I also thanked the council members for their continued support with local stakeholders and delegation members and will provide updates of any changes to our fiscal situation as they occur.

The council also listened to reports and updates from each county representative on budget status and program initiatives.

Associate Director Jim Grady reported on changes to the administrative structure and explained the new role of County Administrative Liaisons (CALs). In addition, Jim reported that Extension successfully completed a federal Civil Rights review last year and the plan we submitted had been approved. This plan addresses some of the civil rights issues identified by the review. Charlene Baxter, program leader, Family and Consumer Resources, reviewed a set of checklists designed to help staff and county advisory council members with their office space and web presence.

Darrel Covell, program leader, Forestry and Wildlife, Sea Grant and Water Resources, highlighted information on the launch of the Energy Answers Info Line at our Extension Education Center. Staffed by more than 30 trained volunteers, the info line is now set to answer consumer questions about energy conservation products and practices. The info line number is 877-398-4769.

In addition, Alan Eaton, Extension Professor/Specialist, Entomology, updated the council on the public health concerns around arthropod-borne diseases in New Hampshire. He shared some of the research he and others have conducted about the incidence and threat of Lyme Disease, EEE, and West Nile Virus and highlighted work he’s done helping to educate county and town decision-makers about preventative spraying practices.