4H supporters, members, and leaders packed a budget meeting held by Hughes County South Dakota Commissioners this week. The County Board is facing a budget shortfall and looking at eliminating non mandatory programs. 4H Leader Amy Mesman says although there’s been talk about eliminating the 4H program, the good news is the Commissioners see the value in the program and are willing to work with them to find alternative outside funding.

Mesman says they’ll be meeting soon to work on the funding problem.

Mesman says while the Commission in the past had supported the $ 60,000 to pay for the 4H program, that money is not there this budget go around. She says although they only have a month to find the alternative funding, she’s not giving up.

The County has to complete their budget by October 1.