March
28, 2003March
28, 2003
Despite the economy and the struggles faced by local governments, appropriations to county outreach and extension councils increased moderately for 2003. In 59 counties, county commissions increased appropriations, while funding was level in 33 counties. Seven regions experienced overall increases.
"It is significant that in these difficult times, county commissions recognize the importance of University Outreach and Extension in improving the lives of their constituents," says Ron Turner, executive vice president and director of cooperative extension. "I want to congratulate county council members and staff for effectively communicating the value and impact of our educational programs."
CM Region appropriations held steady, says Regional Director Mark Stillwell, with nine counties receiving increases, three remaining even and two with decreases. Regionwide, appropriations increased 1 percent. "Given the challenges in state funding, the increase in county funding shows the strong support base for programs that improve people's lives."
All but one EC Region county received an increase in appropriations. Regional Director Bud Reber says: "Local citizenry and governments recognize the positive impact that UO/E has on people's lives. They know that a small investment in the county extension council pays back many times."
In six of the NE Region counties, councils received increases ranging from 0.5 percent to 10 percent. The 2003 county appropriation represented an increase for six counties, remained at the 2002 level for nine counties and decreased for one county. "County commissioners in the Northeast Region continued to demonstrate high value for extension's contributions to citizens and communities," says Regional Director Soneeta Grogan. "Northeast Missourians enthusiastically support extension because the education programs truly do help people improve their lives and communities. I want to express sincere appreciation to county commissioners, county council members and the myriad volunteers who partner with staff in accomplishing the outreach and extension mission."
Three NW Region extension councils received increased appropriations for 2003, while seven councils received the same amount as 2002. In five counties, appropriations decreased. The Harrison County outreach and extension center will reopen in April, says Regional Director Karma Metzgar. County commissioners increased appropriations to the extension council. "The council and staff members worked diligently to restore funding," Metzgar says.
Eight counties in the SC Region received increases, and appropriations for four extension councils remained unchanged. In four counties, appropriations decreased. Three counties fell significantly below the required funding level. "Extension councils in these counties, along with county program directors, continue to work innovatively to generate funding to ensure that their offices remain open," says Regional Director Wayne Moore.
"One of the significant, positive events is the restoration of funding to Texas County. Commissioners in Texas County, having acknowledged the broad-based community financial support, have significantly increased their funding for 2003 with a total of $30,000," Moore says.
SE Region counties showed an overall increase from 2002. Of the 16 counties, 13 received increases or stayed at the same level as last year. Increases ranged from 1.4 percent to 11 percent. "A special thank you goes to council members for this year's budget process," says Janet Kline, regional director. "Faculty and staff members cannot operate in the county without the funding support for the local office."
Of the SW Region counties, eight extension councils received increases from county commissions. Appropriations in three counties remained at 2002 levels and decreased in five counties. "We are pleased to have this level of continued support for UO/E in the SW Region," says Regional Director Beverly Coberly.
Al Black, WC Region director, said: "I am pleased that six counties had increases, four remained the same, and only one decreased during these challenging economic times. The decrease was due to a major capital project in the county."
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Eileen Yager,
yagere@umsystem.edu |
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