Extension seeks public input as cuts force reorganization

Mar 4, 2010 — The Pantagraph

Ryan Denham

Mar. 4, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- BLOOMINGTON -- The University of Illinois Extension program is considering a large-scale reorganization designed at cutting costs without cutting programs, as more state budget cuts loom.

The potential impact on popular 4-H youth and Master Gardener programs is not yet known, and Extension officials are hosting public meetings across the state to get feedback before a plan is finalized in April. Also unknown is the impact on 4-H participation at county fairs.

Cutbacks may include fewer county-level administrators, which would mean more multi-county units and perhaps fewer office spaces and more travel for staff.

"The changes that we're trying to make here are changes that we hope don't affect programming," said Extension spokesman Gary Beaumont. "If we close a facility -- the facility doesn't deliver the educational programming, people do."

Like many schools, Extension offices have not yet received state payments this fiscal year, which ends June 30. Next fiscal year, the entire Extension program -- with a total budget of $65 million, about half from the state -- is bracing for state cuts of between $4 million and $7 million, Beaumont said.

McLean County has one of the largest Extension units, with a budget of around $1.1 million, up to 14 full-time staff and 1,200 volunteers. About half its budget comes from a county property tax levy, first instituted in 2001.

McLean County Extension is currently exploring partnerships with some adjacent counties, but unit director Don Meyer said it doesn't appear a full merger will occur. If a partnership does emerge, the balancing act will be to make sure McLean County dollars aren't spent outside McLean County, he said.

McLean County's 4-H program reaches more than 3,100 youth each year. While the Extension program does not control the McLean County Fair, it does control the 4-H exhibits at the fair, so any major reorganization could affect the fair, Meyer said.

Interim statewide Extension Director Bob Hoeft has said supporting youth programming and 4-H "at the same high level" will be a priority in the reorganization.

Kay Henrichs, a Master Gardener who volunteers at Sarah's Garden at David Davis Mansion and elsewhere, attended a recent public meeting in Champaign. She said cutting back on the number of unit leaders makes some sense, but she questioned whether certain counties could operate with less office space.

"I'm very concerned that the people that need the most help aren't going to get it if they cut drastically," she said.

At the Ford-Iroquois unit, which has been a multi-county unit since the 1980s, officials chose Onarga for the main unit office because it's the geographic center of the two counties, helping to save on travel costs, said Director Karen Moore.

"We've been very successful with this model, and able to generate a larger population and a better tax base in support of the Extension office," said Moore, whose budget is about one-third McLean County's.

For now, the unit is busy planning for two county fairs, like it usually does, Moore said.

"We are really listening to what people have to say here," Beaufort said. "We haven't put anything in concrete or stone yet."

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Extension cuts?

What: Public meetings on proposed changes to the Extension program.

When: Closest remaining meeting is 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at U of I Extension Center Illini Auditorium, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 1101 E. Sangamon Ave., Springfield.

Want to go? Contact McLean County unit office, 309-663-8306, about carpooling.

Can't make it? Listen in on teleconference, 2 p.m. March 11, at McLean County unit office, 402 N. Hershey Road, Bloomington.

More info: web.extension.illinois.edu

Newstex ID: KRTB-0166-42592807