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Extension office seeks roughly $20,000 to add hours; commissioners ask for written proposal
Summary
Harney County commissioners heard a request from the extension office for about 0.2 additional FTE (roughly $20,000–$21,000) to expand on‑site coverage; commissioners asked the office to provide a short proposal showing expected deliverables and revenue metrics before approving funds.
The Harney County court discussed a staffing request from the extension office to increase an agent’s time from roughly 0.4 FTE to 0.6 FTE, a change staff estimated would cost about $20,000–$21,000 and increase the county payment to Oregon State University’s extension program by roughly that amount.
Budget staff explained county accounting treats vehicle and building rent lines as an in/out that net to zero; the only direct county outlay would be the OSU payment and telecommunications costs. Commissioners repeatedly asked for measurable outcomes tied to the additional hours and suggested the extension office provide a short, defensible proposal describing what the extra 0.2 FTE would achieve (for example, increased youth engagement metrics or scholarship opportunities tied to the livestock show).
An extension office participant said the additional time would help expand programming, saying, “Kids aren't going to put shoes on their own feet,” to underscore community need. Commissioners agreed the request appeared reasonable but asked staff to confirm year‑end balances before committing new ongoing funding. No final funding decision or formal motion was made during the session.
