Pass County Measure 1

Talk about it

There are probably very few residents of Stutsman County who haven’t benefitted from our extension office and its staff in some way. From 4-H and ag-related workshops to family nutrition, Marketplace for Kids, home gardening advice and money management classes, the County Extension Service offers something for nearly every resident. And now they need a little something from us. We urge a “yes” vote on County Measure 1.

The measure asks for an increase in the levy by .50 mill. It’s the first time ever the Stutsman County Extension Service has asked for an increase to its state-mandated 2-mill levy. For the last few years, the County Commission has transferred close to $20,000 to keep the Extension Service working in the black.

Considering what the Extension Service provides in education or information for every age and covering a multitude of topics, it’s little enough the service is looking for in increased support. A .50 mill will generate about $30,000. It amounts to $1.25 per quarter of land or $2.25 a year on a $100,000 home.

That’s not much when you consider just the wealth of ag information and knowledge available for rural and urban farmers. For the non-farmer, the county extension agents can answer nearly any question or direct you to the right place for an answer. In fact, it’s probably easier to list what they can’t provide then what they can. And as a part of the NDSU Extension Service, the local office has access to an even greater level of information and expertise.

That’s a pretty big bang for the buck; especially considering that NDSU also cost-shares salaries 50-50.

Plus, for most everything the Extension Service provides to residents, there is no charge.

It’s little enough the County Extension Service wants in support from us. Vote “yes” on County Measure 1.

(Editorials are the opinion of Jamestown Sun management and the newspaper’s editorial board)

Tags: county agent, opinion, editorials