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As an Extension horticulturist position in Ward County sits vacant, a question exists over whether it eventually will be filled. The answer could lie with the North Dakota Legislature.
Dr. Shana Forster, director of the North Dakota State University Research Extension Center in Minot, spoke to the Ward County Commission Thursday, Nov. 5, about the future of the position. Emily How had served in the newly created position as horticulturist in Ward County since August 2022. She recently moved away, leaving the position vacant.
Forster said the governor's call for state agencies to include cuts to their base budgets for the 2027-29 biennium means NDSU needs to make a 10% reduction. That is requiring the Extension Service to place a hold on filling the horticulturist position in Ward County.
"It's a decision based on the need to be fiscally responsible," Forster said, noting it's not a reflection on the value of having the position.
NDSU Extension and Ward County had been sharing the salary cost, while the Extension Service paid the benefits and the county picked up operating expenses. Ward County has budgeted $28,288 for the position for 2027.
Forster said the decision to hold off on hiring could be temporary, depending on where funding lands during the 2027 legislative session. However, the position also isn't easily filled, so it is unknown when a horticulturist might be found and brought on board even if funding becomes available.