Public invited to suggest how OSU Extension should prioritize services

By BEN OLSON/For the Herald — Lane County residents are invited to help determine how to allocate property tax receipts for various Oregon State University programs.

In May of 2021, voters overwhelmingly approved an increase in a property tax that helps to fund Extension services. In 2016, voters approved a 1.5 cents per $1,000 assessed on property taxes. Last May voters increased that to 2.8 cents per $1,000.

The OSU Extension has been in existence since it was chartered by the Board of Regents in 1911. There are Extension services actively working in all 36 counties in Oregon.

The Extension is a network of teachers, experts, mentors and volunteers sharing knowledge.

“Working together, we can create positive change in our communities,” an Extension source noted. “Helping farmers and gardeners grow healthy foods. Strengthening our economic and ecological futures. Helping people of all ages, and families and communities to thrive.”

The Extension Service provides reliable, research-based education and advice to help people make informed decisions.  Access is affordable and often free. Learn through one-on-one conversations with experts, workshops, conferences, publications, hotlines, online classes and youth development clubs and activities.

Lane County programs include 4-H Youth Development, Nutrition Education, Food Safety and Preservation, Farming, Home Gardening, Forestry and Natural Resources, Well Water and Livestock and Foraging.

For more information on the OSU Extension and the programs it currently offers, check this website.

The OSU Extension is asking all interested residents to fill out a short survey online.