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Extension considers modest fee changes, asks participants to cover optional books
Summary
University of Idaho Extension staff reviewed program fees and workshop revenue at a Bonner County budget workshop, proposing that participants pay for optional textbooks and noting current class receipts of about $2,400 this year.
University of Idaho Extension staff reviewed the extension’s program-fee structure and recommended asking participants to cover optional course materials to reduce county subsidization.
The extension educator said the Master Gardener course currently charges $125 per participant and that the fee “is inclusive of the book.” She said some books are available for free online and that participants could be offered the choice to buy a hard copy themselves to reduce the county’s upfront purchases. “We do charge a hundred and $125 to take the class, and it is inclusive of the book,” the extension educator said.
The educator told commissioners the office has received about $2,400 in class revenue so far this year and that participation variability — including having twice as many Master Gardener enrollees last year — affects total receipts. She said she plans to increase the $125 fee for the next year and to consider charging small fees for formerly free short events such as “lunch and learn” talks.
Commissioners urged caution about assuming higher revenue and suggested the extension staff consider lowering near-term projections to reflect uncertain participation. One commissioner said some counties manage textbooks as a participant expense rather than a county purchase and recommended offering the book as an optional add-on. The extension educator responded that she waits to order printed handbooks until participants pay, to avoid surplus inventory.
Beyond the Master Gardener class, the educator said the office tries to align workshop supply spending with class revenue and sometimes absorbs refreshments or handouts for specific programs. She also noted that many University of Idaho publications and resources are freely available online, and commissioners suggested the office encourage digital access where appropriate.
The discussion produced no formal vote. Commissioners directed staff to consider the ideas raised — including making handbooks optional purchases and reexamining revenue projections — before finalizing the budget.
Ending: The extension educator said she would take the suggestions into account when finalizing next year’s fee schedule and budget numbers.
