Message from OSU Extension regarding Josephine County funding decision
We are very disappointed in today’s decision by Josephine County Commissioners to stop county funding that has supported delivery of local OSU Extension programs and services in 4-H, agriculture, forestry and health for county residents for more than a century.
The commissioners voted 2-1 to set a service district budget of $0 for fiscal year 2025 and did not appropriate any funds for use. In addition, taxes will not be collected for the district in the coming year.
The service district remains intact and has an available fund balance. Unlike last year, commissioners did not approve use of those reserve funds for OSU Extension to serve the county.
As a result, OSU Extension will not be able to maintain an office in the county and programming will be limited. See details of our operational plan, effective July 1.
It is unfortunate that this decision comes after a year of good-faith engagement with commissioners to share progress, provide data and address any questions and concerns raised.
4-H has been at the heart of our work, and participation has grown over the past year in direct response to community input. However, OSU Extension’s service to Josephine County and its residents goes far beyond youth programming. This decision impacts seniors and working families, school children and teachers, gardeners, farmers, woodland owners and others in the county whom Extension serves.
We are not giving up on the people of Josephine County. We will continue to do all we can to serve the county with the resources available to us.
We are committed to continuing to work with elected officials and community members in Josephine County to restore this vital local funding through the service district so we may continue to serve residents with a full complement of OSU Extension programs and services.
Kris Elliott
Interim Vice Provost, Extension and Engagement
Interim Director, OSU Extension Service