Job cuts are coming to the UW Extension Service. Some 80 positions will be eliminated, from the county offices for agriculture agents, 4-H and youth specialists, and family living advisers.
Staffing cuts in the Extension programs have been in the works since the Republican controlled legislature reduced annual funding last year by $3.6 million.
Extension chancellor Cathy Sandeen said Wednesday that each county would still have Extension offices and programs for 4-H and Master Gardeners — but in some cases, staffers would be shared among counties.
Sandeen said work groups and a steering committee will come up with a more exact restructuring over the next six months. Changes could begin in early July, but most layoffs would take place early next year.