WMBD/WYZZ TV – PEORIA -- 4-H programs could soon be cut as the University of Illinois' extension program lost half of Peoria County's budget. The Program's Director say it's from state funding cuts. Overall the U of I Extension Office lost about $185,000. Community economic development, and youth out reach programs are now in jeopardy. About 30 people work at U of I’s Extension Office in Peoria County. The director hopes to avoid lay-off's and says they may have to start charging for services that used to be free.

Director, Roger A. Larson says, “We're not closing, I can say that. We are not closing. What the extension will be like is a very good question I don't have the answer for yet.”

Most of the cuts happen in July when the new budget begins, but the director says he's already started making adjustments.