K-State Research & Extension Revisiting Becoming an Extension District

K-State Research & Extension Revisiting Becoming an Extension District

Published on November 04, 2024

Back in 2009, Leavenworth and Wyandotte Counties started the process to become an Extension District.At that time, only the Wyandotte County Commissioners were willing to proceed with this model. So the idea was abandoned and both counties maintained their current structure.

Where are we now?

Leavenworth County Extension has had a flat budget for the past four years, including fiscal year 2025. Without adequate funding to address increased costs, new programming is limited. County Commissioners have asked Extension staff to find solutions to solving their budget problems before the next budget cycle.

In the summer of 2024, Wyandotte County Extension received a budget cut of $59,500 (10%). Wyandotte County Extension has received questions from the Unified Government's Chief Financial Officer and some Executive Board members asking if forming a district would benefit our organization and help stabilize future funding.

Both County Commissions chose to remain revenue-neutral for 2025. Extension staff have been encouraged to find suggestions for cost savings in the 2026 budget cycle. In an effort to explore budget solutions, the idea of forming an Extension District has been suggested.

County extension councils receive funds from their respective counties based on their approved budget each year. Even though the actual amount each county receives is different in Leavenworth and Wyandotte counties, both are funded at a similar property tax or mill levy between .247 and .297 mills making the formation of a District much more appealing since no county would have to increase their tax rate.

Districting Facts

In 1991, the Kansas Extension District Law allowed local Extension Councils and county commissions to partner with one or more counties to form an Extension district. Once formed, the extension district becomes a taxing subdivision of the State of Kansas and has the power to contract, acquire, hold, and convey real and personal property. An extension district creates opportunities to structure an extension unit to serve the needs of the residents in those counties. This framework creates more efficient, relevant, effective, and sustainable programs. In the last 33 years, 59 Kansas counties have formed into 21 Extension Districts.

Some observed differences that have been noted by many districts that have formed are as follows:

• Effectiveness: District staff become more effective; Districting allows for agents to become specialized in program areas. Specializing, grant agents the ability to focus on specific program areas with additional resources and support from other staff members. It can also alleviate burnout and increase expertise on the subject matter. They experience less burnout and intentionally focus on expertise and subject matter.
• Relevance: Districting helps Extension establish itself as a relevant resource for Kansas residents. We must ensure we are on the cutting edge in dealing with contemporary issues for the residents we serve. Residents expect more in-depth knowledge beyond the basics, and this framework allows for that specialty knowledge edge. Each County continues to have program development committees to help guide and shape programs to fit local community needs.
• Efficiency: Merging operations can lead to financial efficiencies and free up more time for programming as both counties pool their resources. Sustainability: Addressing the financial aspect of operations assures the sustainability of having K-State Research & Extension Programs in both counties. By establishing a taxing authority, the Extension District gains more flexibility to meet the needs of its personnel and operating needs and ensures continued programming.
• Location: If a county becomes part of a district, the local office will not close. Decisions on locations or consolidation would have to come before the 8-member board and ultimately be approved by the voters. All districts (so far) have chosen to keep all their local county offices open.
• County Fair: The fair associations are responsible for hosting their individual County Fair. There will not be any changes to 4-H Fair Activities. The district will continue to provide staff to support the 4-H program.
• Taxes: The eight members of the district governing body are representatives elected by county residents (four from each County). They, too, are taxpayers and good stewards of taxpayer money. K-State Extension Administration found that financial efficiencies allowed the mill levies to drop in several districts after the first couple of years of a district's existence.
• Staffing: All staff will remain employed.

Residents can find these facts and more in-depth information on forming an Extension District here. As always, please feel free to contact Denise if you have concerns or questions via email: [email protected]

Read this article in the K-State Research & Extension November 2024 newsletter.

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