Gallatin County Board member Warren Rollman has made no bones about his concern surrounding what county taxpayers are “giving” to the University of Illinois Extension and what the county is truly getting out of that agreement. Rollman named it issue #3 in his “if elected” campaigning and it’s been front and center since he took his seat with Gallatin County government in December. In addition to Board member Rollman himself, his father Henry has spoken out at the March meeting, and citizen Jami Crest addressed the board Thursday night with a page full of questions. Gallatin County Extension Coordinator Kassy Scates and County Director Angie Messmer weren’t there to answer those questions directly.
Messmer tells WROY/WRUL News she’s made herself available and welcomed a sit down to try and explain some of their questions. Furthermore, all the information that’s been requested via FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) is all readily available, Messmer says. There are five 4H Clubs in Gallatin County and about 30 members in total, a number she admits she wishes was higher. She says the organization is still ramping back up after CoViD-19 lockdowns. Of Gallatin County’s $93,000 budget Extension budget, only $35,600 of that actually comes from taxpayers according to Messmer. The University of Illinois matches whatever each county donates plus anything other organizations or individuals give to help the program in the county.
Rollman says he doesn’t want a sit down with Messmer and County Board Chairman Andrew Lunsford claiming “it’s a public issue involving public money and therefore it should be discussed in front of the public.” Messmer remains steadfast saying naysayers simply don’t understand despite her efforts and willingness to explain everything the Extension is doing for the young, old, and in general the people of Gallatin County.
