Vote yes for Ballot Measure 22-81 to form a 4-H and Extension Service District in Linn County.

Given its high use of volunteers - more than 1,000 at any one time - Extension, including 4-H, is one of the most cost-effective government programs ever. Together, volunteers in Linn County devote in excess of 60,000 hours of time annually to Extension activities.

Passage of the measure will authorize a permanent tax rate of no more than $0.07 per $1,000 of assessed value - or $7 a year for the owner of a $100,000 house - for the district, which would be governed by the Linn County Commissioners.

For decades, 4-H and Extension have been part of county general fund budgets, but support has declined in recent years. With voter approval of the measure, Linn County would join the 16 other counties with a special district that ensures ongoing funding for the programs.

The Linn County programs are field services for the Oregon State University Extension program. OSU Extension faculty would continue to be paid through the state budget for higher education. The programs also receive some federal and grant monies. Revenue from the district would pay for secretarial and other local staff, rent and related expenses, and supplies.

The focus of Extension is research and education.

In 4-H, youngsters and teens can learn about everything from cooking to forestry to care of farm animals. Leadership skills are part of their 4-H education.

Volunteers who train to become master gardeners

help Extension professionals answer questions for home gardeners.

Food safety and nutrition programs aim at nutrition and health education for low-income families, food preservation safety and training in family financial management and family community leadership.

Extension impacts the local economy because farming and forestry are significant in Linn County.

Commercial agriculture specialists advise farmers on the most effective methods of controlling diseases, weeds and pests as well as soil and water conservation. Likewise, ranchers get recommendations on beef and sheep production and marketing and tree farmers learn about the newest means of reforestation and biomass utilization.

These are a few of the many benefits of Linn County Extension. Vote yes to keep them.