Wadena County Moves Extension Office Despite Staffing, Cost Concerns: Relocation approved with key questions left unanswered

by Trinity Gruenberg

trinity@inhnews.com

The Wadena County Commissioners held their regular meeting on Tuesday, April 1.

Relocation of the

Extension Office

Commissioner Ron Noon, Dan Sartell with the Friends of Wadena County Youth, and Jan Derdowski of the Extension regional office discussed relocating the Extension office to the 4-H Event Center.

The proposed plan includes adding three offices and a storeroom for staff, creating a new east entrance, and establishing a reception area—all with minimal additional construction costs.

However, there was debate about staffing concerns. The new Extension educator is working a hybrid schedule (50% remote), raising questions about consistent on-site presence and who would manage the event center.

The Friends of Wadena County Youth have raised over $300,000, and the county originally committed $100,000. However, additional funding may be required for office renovations.

Benefits of relocation include providing year-round occupancy for the building, potential to generate revenue through event rentals and solves county space issues by moving the Extension office....

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