Local extension council requests more money
Staff reporter
Two entities presented requests Friday to Marion County Commission for continued support in the 2006 budget year.
Members of Marion County Extension Council and employees presented information of current expenses with a request for an increase in funding in the coming year.
Ricky Roberts, county extension agent, said the request for more funds was because the council had been operating with reserve funds for the past three years. The reserved funds have been depleted and additional funds are needed.
Roberts explained the department operates on two sources of revenue from the county and Kansas State University. Grants also are sought and used for specific projects, not operations.
In 2005, the department received $101,712 from the county. For 2006, it requested $111,866.
The increase is a result of the state's reduction of benefits three years ago.
Council chairman Kevin Suderman of Hillsboro, said extension services are a needed benefit to county residents.
Roberts is utilized as a liaison between government and producers. Nancy Pihl, home economist, also provides valuable programs to county residents about nutrition and finance, Suderman said.
Roberts said he and Pihl recently attended a regional planning meeting where the formation of districts was discussed. He said if Marion had a choice of counties to join, it would be to Marion's advantage to join with McPherson County rather than Chase County. No decisions have been made regarding the formation of districts.
Stan Zienkewicz of Northview Development Services of Newton, also requested continued support from the county.
The agency provides assistance to developmentally disabled people in Marion and Harvey counties.
The county provided $59,500 in 2005 and the same amount was requested for 2006.
The commission appointed Howard Collett of Marion, and Susan Kliewer of Hillsboro, to serve on the board of directors to replace Brad Bartel of Hillsboro, who served two full terms, and Dale Anderson who moved from the Hillsboro area.
