Last week the Lyon County Extension withdrew a proposal to county commissioners that would create a combined Lyon and Chase counties extension districts.
There was much discussion around the proposal because it would have allowed the new extension district to levy taxes to help fund the organization. The proposed district was hoping to raise about $40,000, and they wanted to use the funds to help maintain, enhance services and fill a couple of vacant positions.
Lyon County Extension Council president Brian Creager withdrew the petition saying the timing was not right.
Most people in the community would agree that the extension office is important to our community and improves our quality of life. But Lyon County commissioners said they heard most of the objections to the proposal focused on the new taxing authority.
Although Lyon County extension may have withdrawn the request, that doesn’t mean their financial needs have gone away.
Our community is the strongest when we rally to help a cause. There is no reason why our community cannot work together to help Lyon County extension meet its financial goals. Many community organizations use fundraising campaigns or seek donations to supplement their budgets.
Why not send them $10 or 20 to help support our local extension office?
Perhaps if we can be creative in helping Lyon County extension find some new funding, they might not need to go after a new tax again in the future.
Chris Walker
Editor & Publisher