UT funds $7,527 gap in Anderson County Extension budget
Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank and members of the County Commission who are also on the Budget Committee honor 4H students who are part of the Anderson County UT extension’s programs before a Budget Committee meeting. (photo:Ben Pounds )
The announcement came from Seth Whitehouse, Anderson County director of UT Extension, during the Anderson County Budget Committee meeting Oct. 8. It followed comments from residents who expressed support for the program and concerns about its future.
The UT Extension office is located in the Anderson County Courthouse at 100 N. Main St. in Clinton.
The office oversees the county’s 80 4-H programs in various schools, involving students in fourth through 12th grades. Students participate in livestock shows and learn public speaking skills, Whitehouse said.
Other educational programs focused on adults include Master Beef Producer, Master Gardener, Beef Quality Assurance, Smart Yards, Master Farm Manager, Master Small Ruminant, Farming Fundamentals, Master Horse Program, Master Beekeeper, Master Nursery Producer, Master Row Crop Producer and Farm Family Health and Wellness.
Whitehouse told The Courier News that his office had received approximately $223,000 annually from the county since fiscal year 2024-25. This year, however, the office requested an additional $7,527.87 to cover salary increases for UT Extension staff.
Between the time the item appeared on the Budget Committee’s agenda and the meeting itself, UT stepped in to cover the additional $7,527.87 for the year.
Whitehouse said UT’s commitment applies only to the current fiscal year.
“In February I’ll be requesting an increase for fiscal year 27-28 and hoping that the commissioners will be educated on the services that we provide in the county,” he told The Courier News.
He described UT’s commitment as a “good will faith” agreement and said he had informed Finance Director Robert Holbrook of the arrangement Monday before the meeting.
After learning of UT’s contribution, Budget Committee members voted to remove the item from the agenda. However, that decision came after residents had already spoken in defense of the Extension office and praised its role in the county.
“When you make an investment in Extension, you make an investment in the people of Anderson County,” resident Joe Hall said.
“I thank you for coming here,” Commissioner Shain Vowell told the speakers after learning of UT’s contribution. “You have every right in the world to come to your courthouse and address your elected officials. But apparently, the situation’s already been taken care of.”
For more information about UT Extension programs in Anderson County, visit anderson.tennessee.edu.