MARSHALL — Youth programming in Lyon County was getting to be too much for one person to lead, University of Minnesota Extension representatives said earlier this year. After more discussion on Tuesday, Lyon County Commissioners approved a funding request for a new Extension educator position in the county.

Lyon County Administrator Loren Stomberg said the county’s preliminary 2024 budget had accounted for the $60,486 funding request.

Back in August, the Lyon County Extension Committee had presented commissioners with a request to take a vacant 4-H program assistant position, and expand it into a 0.75 time position as an Extension educator for 4-H youth development. If the proposal was approved, the new position would start in 2024.

Extension regional director Bonnie Christiansen and youth development educator Sam Jens said a growing number of young people have been taking part in Extension programs in Lyon County. In addition to 4-H, Jens was also working with youth programs at area schools. But as the only youth development educator, Jens was “maxed out,” he said.

Having expanded hours for a youth development educator would help allow for more youth programming in Lyon County, said Christiansen.

On Tuesday, commissioners went back to consider a $60,486 request to create the 0.75 time youth development educator position. A memo from the Extension Committee said the overall cost increase to create the position was about $40,000.

The county’s preliminary 2024 budget accounted for that request, Stomberg said. “Those funds are in there now as a placeholder,” he told commissioners. The final amount could be adjusted depending on the board’s decision.

Commissioner Gary Crowley moved to approve the funding, but he said he would like to hear updates on the new educator’s work.

“I want to see what that individual is doing. How many kids are they working with?” Crowley said.

The motion passed.