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Extension service looks at ways to raise funds
By D.A. WILKINSON
One of Columbiana County’s agencies may not get funding even if the 1 percent sales tax is approved in May.
The commissioners have asked for and received letters of support for the tax from public officials and community leaders.
If approved, the tax would raise about $8 million, or about 44 percent, a year for general-operating costs.
Most of the county offices must be funded. But the Ohio State University’s Cooperative Extension Service legally does not have to be funded.
In a letter to the public, the extension stated, “Our commissioners want and desire to maintain Extension programs in Columbiana County, but they do not have enough funds in the county’s general fund to support our programs and services.”
Commissioner Jim Hoppel agreed.
The county has been paying only the rent on the extension’s office in Lisbon, $1,500 per month.
Julie Herron, the 4-H youth-development educator for the extension office, has created a raffle to support funding. The winner will be announced at the county fair. People also can make donations to the Columbiana County Extension Office 7876B Lincole Place, Lisbon.
Hoppel said that even if the tax passes, the general fund may still be tight.
The sales-tax receipts are about $90,000 behind what they normally would be.
Hoppel said that’s not enough to make a decision yet on extension funding for next year.
“We don’t make projections that far ahead,” he said.
The county may have a clearer picture of its revenue in early summer, he said.