(La Porte County, IN) - The La Porte County Council is getting involved in the friction between Purdue Extension and volunteers with the 4-H program.

Last night, the council voted unanimously to reduce the funding it provides the local Purdue Extension office by $5,000. It’s not much considering LaPorte County contributes over $400,000 to the program.

However, Councilman Mike Rosenbaum says the idea is to send a message for Purdue Extension to make some changes at the top.

“We’re actually looking for a couple of people to be reassigned within Purdue.  We thought that’s where it was heading but we’re getting a very slow response. Therefore, we want to send them a message that we’re willing to un-fund the program, if necessary,” Rosenbaum said.

4-H volunteers describe the new leadership as too heavy-handed and alleged some 4-H volunteers have been forced out of leadership positions or reassigned. As a result, many volunteers have quit or have threatened to quit.

Officials from the West Lafayette campus have reportedly become involved in trying to resolve the matter.