County extension program reorganizes

Changes unfolding in the Carlton County Extension Office were laid out in a report presented by acting supervisor Donna Lekander at the Carlton County Committee of the Whole meeting March 3.

The Extension program has been under intense scrutiny since Troy Salzer, longtime Carlton County/University of Minnesota Extension Service agriculture educator, left for another job. An initial evaluation of the Carlton County program showed a lack of supervision for staff working there and a need to set staff guidelines for their particular job.

County coordinator Dennis Genereau explained that he and commissioners Gary Peterson and Mark Thell worked on the department issues first.

“Then six months ago Lekander came in to work on the details by streamlining the work done at the department,” he said. “We are now in a better operating position.”

Some of the changes that have occurred are summed up as follows:

• Job descriptions of each staff member were studied and job tasks were reassigned, resulting in the elimination of about a half- time position.

• All staff were trained as if they were County employees to ensure staff were treated equally in the workplace.

• The four vehicles assigned to the current program were reduced to one.

• A consultant was hired to study the lime and biosolid application program on local farm fields. The program is relabeled, “Soil Improvement Program” and its future with the extension service is being assessed.

• Computers for staff field work have been doled out and have reduced paperwork.

• Rental equipment programs are now sunsetted. It was found that the equipment was used around the region instead of solely in Carlton County. A private contractor may step in to provide that service.

• The Extension Committee will be strengthened to provide overall program supervision.

“I have been in discussions with representatives of the Regional Extension Program,” Lekander said.“They asked a lot of questions about the direction we are taking the local extension program. I held my own during the discussion.”