County Commissioners to Meet With Public Over Cutting Programs

Grays Harbor County, WA - The Grays Harbor County Commissioners continuing to face budget issues, have agreed to a special meeting Monday evening to discuss the importance of keeping some programs in Grays Harbor County.

Local Volunteer, and supporter of the 4-H Program Tracey Baker said "We are encouraging anybody involved in 4-H for kids, to come and support the program, support the WSU Extension Program, and encouraging the kids to speak to the commissioners about the benefits of the program."

The requested funding for the year 2010 is $168,000, Baker said that in order for the Extension Program to exist the county has to contribute some amount of funds. Without county funding the program would no longer be offered in Grays Harbor.

4-H is a portion of the WSU Extension Program, the local 4-H Program includes over 2,500 Grays Harbor youth.

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Fair board Manager Mike Bruhner told KBKW that the loss of the 4-H program would hit the County's annual fair hard "It would have a huge impact, we have a great working relationship with 4-H. They involve the kids, and they are directly responsible for the things that people come to the fair to see."

Bruhner said that while he did not know exact numbers at the time, loss of the 4-H program and WSU Extension office would mean a big revenue hit to the semi-self supported fairgrounds.

The extended commissioners session is Monday at 5pm in the Commissioners Board Room in Montesano.