More than 20 University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) and 4-H supporters wearing green ribbons filled the San Benito County board room Tuesday morning, but not to picket – they wanted to say thank you.
“We appreciate you taking the time to work with us,” UCCE County Director Pat Johns said.
Because she spoke during public comment, the Board of Supervisors did not respond, but Supervisor Ruth Kesler thanked her for her comments. 4-H parent Lisa Tobias said after the board released a public statement last week explaining it will make every effort not to cut 100 percent of its funding to the program, supporters decided it would be best not to flood the board room, but to still make their presence known.
“We’re here to support them just as much as they’re supporting us,” she said.
UCCE and 4-H supporters have been rallying support with full force the past two weeks by circulating petitions and picketing during commuting hour downtown. The community uproar came after the county budget committee’s recommendation to completely cut funding to the programs became public. The county funds 8 percent of the programs, which costs roughly $70,000 a year. Without the funding, the program would cease to exist in the county.
After numerous letters and phone calls from angry residents came to the county administrators office and board members last week, Administrative Officer Terrence May released the statement late Thursday night stating “the county is committed to providing continuing financial support to ensure the 4-H and farm advisors programs remain in operation.”
The board will publicly discuss and vote on the cuts to help overcome the $4 million deficit it’s facing for the new fiscal year in early August.
Christine Tognetti can be reached at 637-5566, ext. 330 or at [email protected].
