Becker opts to leave NDSU Extension

During the May 7 Eddy County Commission meeting, NDSU Extension Agent Tim Becker announced upcoming changes to the local extension office. With 28 years of service behind him, Becker has opted to participate in the NDSU voluntary separation incentive program and leave his position with NDSU Extension.

Becker's full-time status will come to an end on May 15. However, he will continue to work for the county on a part-time temporary basis to ensure summer programming remains intact. Becker and the commissioners agreed on a flexible arrangement that will likely conclude with the hiring of a new extension agent.

The "Transcript" spoke with NDSU Extension Central District Director Ron Wiederholt to gauge the next steps for hiring a new agent. He says, "Tim's early retirement makes for a large gap for the service area. For several months now, Eddy County agents have been a good neighbor by covering the extension needs in Foster County as well." Wiederholt, who oversees 21 counties in the central part of the state, adds, "Extension services in these two counties has become a priority. But it's not a decision made by NDSU alone." In fact it is part of Wiederholt's job to visit with county governments to a determine an extension position that meets the needs of the community. He will be visiting with Eddy County Commissioners sometime after May 15.

The purpose of the voluntary separation incentive program is to "implement a limited time incentive to eligible NDSU employees in order to achieve institutional objectives." Such objectives include reducing salary, wage and benefit costs, increasing efficiency and/or reducing expenses, and redirecting the allocation and appointment of positions at the University.

This is the second time NDSU has opened applications for the program. In 2017, 55 employees participated in the program. This year, the applicant pool totaled 69. Becker was among 30 employees who were selected for the program.

Other topics at the commission meeting included:

Update from Road Superintendent Todd Weber, including the final report on the crack sealing process and a discussion of needed equipment such as a flex mower attachment for maintaining ditches during the growing season. He also identified culverts in need of maintenance and will be working to prioritize those with the most urgent need.

Review of a request for donation from the Safe Alternative for Abused Families in Devils Lake. As both the Eddy County Sheriff and Central Prairie Social Services have made use of the shelter and continue to do so, the commission moved to make a contribution of $2,500 from the general fund. It was stressed by commissioners that in the future they should include this contribution into their annual budget, and perhaps discuss sharing the contribution with Central Prairie Social Services. Glenda Collier will take that discussion to the next social services meeting.