Formation Of Extension Service District With Permanent Maximum Tax
Shall extension district be formed with a permanent tax rate limitof $0.23 per $1,000 of assessed value, beginning FY2012-2013?
Revenue from this measure will provide funding dedicated to Malheur County Extension Service educational programs, office operations, support staff, educational faculty and staff and applied research. Extension programs currently include 4-H Youth Development, food nutrition, livestock and range management, row crop development and other programs and services tailored to meet local needs. Tax revenue expenditures will be subject to annual audits. The Malheur County Court will serve as the district's governing body pursuant to Oregon laws. Previously, funding for research carried out on Extension projects was supported by Oregon State University, but due to the State budgetary cuts the current funding will be inadequate to meet the local needs. Forming an extension service district with a permanent tax rate will provide Malheur Extension with a stable source of funding. This measure seeks voter approval of a permanent tax rate limit of $0.23 per one thousand ($1,000) of assessed value to supplement the other revenues needed to operate the proposed district. This rate will raise an estimated $369,000 the first year.
What will this measure do?
Passing this measure will establish the Malheur County Agricultural Education Extension Service District and set its permanent maximum property tax rate at 23 cents per $1000 of assessed property value.
Why is it proposed?
Malheur County Oregon State University (OSU) Extension Office relies on a combination of state, federal and county funds to conduct community-based education and research programs. State and Federal funds have diminished to the point where OSU can no longer fully staff the office with the faculty members needed to address local issues, and while Malheur County continues to provide support for the office's operations, the County is not able to offset the loss of state and federal funds. The district would provide a dedicated and stable funding source for Extension programs in Malheur County.
What is OSU Extension Service in Malheur County?
Extension Service is OSU's off-campus educational system. It is charged with developing relevant and credible programs that are responsive to community needs and backed by the university's research and information. Extension Service has been active in Malheur County since 1914, helping homeowners, farmers, ranchers, business persons, families and youth access knowledge and develop skills.
In Malheur County, Extension programs are currently delivered by 3 OSU faculty and 1 half-time OSU Program Assistant. Prior to funding reductions by Oregon State and OSU there were 5 OSU faculty. Personnel for Extension programs also include 2 county employees and more than 287 volunteers who partner with OSU faculty to deliver Extension programs across the county. OSU delivers over 403 educational programs statewide annually including:
4-H projects in civics and leadership, animals, family science, natural science; leadership development; government; science, technology, engineering and math (STEM); 4-H student exchange to other countries; summer day camps; County Fair.
Beef and sheep production, marketing, nutrition and reproduction; hay testing and feeding regimen assistance; pesticide safety; agriculture soil testing, fertilization recommendations.
Watershed management.
Commercial field, row crop production, marketing, integrated pest management; water conservation; landscape maintenance; efficient use of fertilizers and pesticides.
Food preservation (canning, drying, freezing), preparation and safety; nutrition education; pressure canning testing service. Food nutrition (in collaboration with Southeast Oregon Regional Food Bank).
Oregon Family Nutrition Program- making healthy food choices and choosing active lifestyles consistent with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
What is the cost?
The owners of property assessed at $100,000 will pay no more than $23 per year in additional taxes to support the Malheur County Extension Office.
Can the rate ever increase?
No. The limit is permanent and cannot increase.
Can these taxes be used for other purposes?
Taxes generated for this district can be used only in support of Malheur County Extension programs and services. They will be used for local office operating expenses including personnel such as locally-focused agents/faculty, office support for field and row crop programs, 4-H programs, capital improvements to replace and maintain equipment, supplies, and other educational and local research expenses.