The following videos and resources highlight finance topics relevant to the role of county extension council members. NOTE: There are "Chapters" in some videos. Click on the bulleted list icon on the video player to access the chapter feature.
2025 Fiscal Policy Update
2025 Fiscal Policy Update
One of the primary roles of the extension council is to be fiscally responsible with their county funds. Review the fiscal policy, especially the 2025 updates to the county fiscal policy template which your county will review and adopt.
Presenters
- Katharinna Bain, Region 19 Director
- Hailee Sandberg, Region 29 Director
Resources
Reading the Monthly Financial Reports
Reading the Monthly Financial Reports
Your county extension council was created as a taxing authority to collect and allocate dollars, according to Iowa Code Section 176A. But do you know how to read the monthly reports you receive? Learn what to look for and how to use the information to ensure your budget is progressing as planned throughout the year.
Presenter
- Terry Janssen, Region 7 Director
Resources
Determining the Fiscal Health of your County Budget
Determining the Fiscal Health of Your County Budget
Do you know how to anticipate your tax revenue in 3 to 5 years? How does your county's property valuation impact your budget? Can you sustain the staff you have and the building where you're located? Learn how to use the numbers to determine your fiscal health rather than just hoping your budget is sound.
Presenter
- Terry Torneton, Region 13 Director
Resources
Making County Audits a Positive Experience
Making County Audits a Positive Experience
The extension district's financial review has changed over the last several years. Learn about the role of the council in auditing, the process of the audit, and how findings can lead to positive change.
Presenters
- Roxanne Stotler, Senior Internal Auditor
Resources
Focus on Finance Committee
Focus on Finance Committee
This session is targeted at extension council members who serve on their county finance or budget committee. Learn about roles and responsibilities for finance committee members.
Resources
- Download presentation slides
- Sample Revenue and Expense report
- County Salary Guide (ask your County or Regional Director for a copy)
Life Cycle of County Funds
Life Cycle of County Funds
Your county tax ask vs. your budget - how does it all work together? You will be empowered to spot potential cash flow issues, understand the different county funds, and shape budgets to reflect your county's priorities.
Resources
- Download Presentation slides
Extension Budget Cycle
Extension Budget Cycle
This 3-minute video covers the budget cycle process and the council's role in planning for the budget and fiscal oversight.
County Finance 101
County Finance 101
This hands-on workshop recording is for newer council members and provides some basics to help you read and interpret county financial reports. Get a better handle on what council members need to know for due diligence with county finances.
Resources
County Finance 102
County Finance 102
How can we better manage the county's finances? This hands-on workshop recording provides the next level of complexity for council members to understand county finances. You will be empowered to spot potential cash flow issues, understand the different county funds, and shape budgets to reflect your county's priorities.
Resources
County Audits and Financial Controls
County Audits and Financial Controls
Are you using fiscal policy to safeguard your extension district? Explore ways to decrease financial risks by improving the financial controls utilized by staff and council members. Learn how your county audit can inform improved financial practices.
Resources
Carryover Projection & Usage
Carryover Projection & Usage
Instructs how councils can use a carryover analysis to do year-end financial planning.
Resources
Financing County Programs
Financing County Programs
Once you've completed your needs assessment and identified programs you want to offer in your county, how do allocate the fiscal resources to be successful? Learn the opportunities and limitations of program dollars in your county budget.
Note: This video has chapters if you don't have time to view it in its entirety. Just click on the icon on your Vimeo player.
Resources
- Contact Andrea Welchans: andwelch@iastate.edu, 515-294-0013
- Download Presentation slides
- County Program of Work Guide
Working with County Foundations for Local Fundraising Efforts
Working with County Foundations for Local Fundraising Efforts
There are important regulations about donor funds supporting 4-H programming in your county including foundations. Learn more about how the endowments work, policies around utilizing the funds and how your county can work with the Iowa 4-H Foundation to raise more money for your local 4-H Program.
Resources
- Contact Emily Saveraid: esaver@iastate.edu, (515) 294-1537
- Download presentation slides
- Iowa 4-H Foundation
Property Tax Impacts for Extension Districts
Property Tax Impacts for Extension Districts
Ag Extension Districts in Iowa rely on property taxes as the major source of revenue. This webinar explores Iowa’s property tax landscape in terms of property tax assessment and valuation by property class; trends across small, medium, and large-sized communities; and revenue implications of these trends on Extension Districts.