03/09/1987 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e Mr. Topaz suggested the councilors support the formation of a single purpose County Service District for the Extension Service. He also suggested the councilors consider using City funds to support the Extension Service because many Extention Service users live within the city. He said a stable financial base for the services is needed. He emphasized that voters must approve a tax base after a County Service District is formed and voters would have to approve additional funds if other services are added to the district. He said another way to fund the Extension Service would be for citizens to support "a decent ta~ base" for Lane County. Answering questions from Ms. Ehrman and Ms. Wooten, Mr. Topaz said it is difficult to find out how many Extension Service users live in the city. He said a tax rate of eight cents per $1,000 is proposed for the County Service District. Ms. Wooten pointed out that the Lane County Library is funded by a serial levy. Mr. Holmer said it seems the Lane County Commissioners do not think funding the Extension Service should have a high priority. Replying to his question, Mr. Topaz said the proponents plan to ask voters to approve formation of a County Service District and then to approve a tax base. He said winning the elections will be difficult. e Richard Craig, 203198 Summit Highway, Blodgett, Oregon, said he is the Director of Financial and Personnel Operations for the Oregon State University College of Agriculture. He said he administers the Extension Service throughout the state. He said several counties have formed County Service Districts to fund extension services. He said there are many mandated services in Lane County that must be financed by Lane County. He said the extension service is an educational program provided by OSU. It is not a mandated service. Mr. Craig said the first funds for the Extension Service were provided by the Federal government in 1914. About 25 percent of the extension funds are provided by the Federal government, about 50 percent of the funds are provided by the State, about 10 percent of the funds are provided by fees, and about 15 percent must be provi ded 1 oca lly. He sa i d most of the Lane County Commissioners want to fund the extension service but there are not enough funds. He di scussed the process for formi ng a County Servi ce Di stri ct. He said duplication of services must be avoided. He said enough funds for the Extension Service for many years will be available if a tax base for a County Service District is approved by the voters. Barbara Mazzie, 1575 West 26th, said the Master Gardener program of the Extension Service received over 7,500 telephone calls last year. In addition, the service serves people who come to the office and booths at fairs or shows. She urged the councilors to support the County Service District. She said it is an important amenity. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council March 9, 1987 Page 4