A majority of the concerns centering around the formation of an extension district between Lyon and Chase Counties centered around the issue of taxation authority as the public had the opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns Wednesday morning during the Lyon County commission meeting.
The formation of a district would allow the two counties to pool resources and have more agent specialization along with giving the newly formed district taxing authority in the respective counties. Taxing authority would shore up finances for the district and shift the burden away from county commissions to fund the extension program, said Brian Creager, of the Lyon County Extension Council.
The Kansas Legislature passed the extension district act in 1991 allowing two or more counties to join together to form an extension district. As of July 1 of this year, there were nine districts in Kansas representing 25 counties.
The taxation authority was of concern to several people who showed up at the commission meeting Wednesday morning. Creager said that is not the sole purpose of the proposed districting.
“The purpose is not to create another taxing authority but we do become another taxing authority,” he said. “We set our mill levy. Just like any other board that has taxing authority.”
Creager said the members of the board that would serve on the extension district — four elected members from each county — are taxpayers, too.
“We don’t want our taxes to go up just like any other taxpayer,” Creager said.
In an earlier public meeting, Creager said Lyon and Chase counties are in favor of proceeding with the process of forming a district. Lyon County taxpayers would pay about $20,000 total more in taxes, which averages out to approximately 57 cents per person, Creager said.
The district’s budget, like other corporate bodies, would have to be published for the public to review and a public hearing would have to be held. From July 1 to Dec. 31 of the first year of operation, the newly formed extension district would operate on existing budgets for that year and existing appropriations. After that it would have its own budget set by the district’s board.
Dale Fjell of the Northeast Area K-State Research and Extension said the purpose of the extension district is to enhance programming and raising money to do so is part of it.
“This allows us to have increased relevancy in the counties and to give us the opportunity to maybe reach some more underserved in the county,” Fjell said. “ ... Here is an opportunity to be able to provide to do that with another way to generate income to do it. That is why we’re trying to do that.”
But not everybody in the room Wednesday was in favor of the formation of an extension district and expressed fear and worry about a new taxing entity.
“I am decidedly against this idea,” Phil Dillon, an audience member, said. “Why we’re doing this is beyond me. The only thing I can think of is we’re talking about expansion of services. When you’re talking about expansion of services ... I want to grab my wallet.”
Audience member Chuck Hanna said if the district forms, the citizens of Lyon County lose control.
“We don’t have the ultimate authority of the budget,” Hanna said. “That is why we have you people (county commissioners) to look at the overall needs of the county.”
Tracey Graham, who serves on the executive council of the Lyon County Extension Council, chipped in her comments.
“In terms of budget control, right now we have three county commissioners that make the decision,” she said. “With the extension council you would have four making the decision. To me that seems like better representation for the taxpayer.”
Graham also talked about the board members being taxpayers themselves.
“Each one of the members are taxpayers,” she said. “They don’t want to see their taxes go up any more than any other person does.”
Audience member and former Lyon County commissioner Myron VanGundy said districting doesn’t benefit Lyon County.
“I can see where it could benefit Chase County,” VanGundy said. “I just can’t see where it really benefits Lyon County. I think we got good agents. I think they are doing their job. If there is a problem where they needed more money — really need it — I expect the county commission would get it to them.”
VanGundy also expressed concerns about another county such as Greenwood County joining the extension district. He said the two counties, which are both smaller than Lyon County, would control the budget and Lyon County would end with no control.
Skip Evans of EVCO Wholesale said it’s a terrible time to bring the concept of districting up.
“One of the things that really scares me is adding another entity that has taxing power,” Evans said. “It’s tough to find good people to serve on these boards. ... At this time it isn’t a good time to be presenting this. We got to think we’re giving more people opportunities to tax people.”
Lyon County Commissioner Rollie Martin commented following the public’s remarks. Martin said sitting on the commission makes it necessary to listen to both sides.
“What is best for Lyon County?” he asked.
Martin said that extension services enhance Lyon County’s culture and his own family has benefited from the extension.
“Hands down, tax, you wouldn’t be even thinking about it,” he said. “I think what we should be talking about is the culture of the area. Yes, I have a hard time saying it’s Chase County versus Lyon County issue but how many people from Chase County come here and spend money?”
Martin said he is still sitting on the fence with the issue.
“If I take a stand and say what is best for Lyon County — Tax-wise? Probably not. Control? Probably not. But what brings value to this county and to this area and to this culture?”
Martin said he would trust in the people that sit on the board of the extension district.
“Those people who are on those boards are people like you and I and I trust they won’t go out and raise hell with the budget,” he said.
Lyon County Commissioner Teresa Walters agreed.
Walters said she hasn’t made up her mind on the issue yet but won’t vote for herself, she will vote in the way that she is hearing for her constituents.
“I think we all want what is best for the county,” she said. “And it means different things for each one of us...”
But before the district is established, several things must happen. Two or more extension councils may establish a district by first entering into an operational agreement. Each county commission and extension council as well as the director of K-State Research and Extension must approve the agreement.
The issue will only go to public vote if, within 60 days of the approvals, a petition opposing the formation of a district is signed by at least 5 percent of the qualified electors and filed with the county election office. The issue would then go to vote at a primary, general or special election. The agreement also must be approved by the state attorney general and the district becomes operational on July 1 after approval by the attorney general.
If the district concept passes in Lyon and Chase counties, the soonest the district would become a corporate entity would be July 1, 2010. Being a corporate body, the district would have the same powers as other corporate bodies in the county including taxation. It would be able to set a mill levy to fund the district, similar to the process a school board or board of county commissioners goes through.
The governing body of an extension district would include four board members from each county. Board positions are uncompensated and voluntary. No matter what the size of each county, there will be equal representation. Audience members at Wednesday’s meeting expressed concern over population discrepancies between the two counties. However, the statute is set up to have equal representation, Creager said.
Audience members expressed concern over how much each county would be contributing to the budget as well. Lyon County would carry the majority of the weight.
“We have the majority of the folks,” Creager said. “We have the majority of the agents.”
Lyon County has the option of pulling out of the extension district if things don’t work out. It’s harder to get out than it is to get in, however.
“Commissioners of Lyon County could withdraw by a majority vote of county commissioners and then a majority of that total district governing body,” Fjell said, “which in this case would be eight people, four from Chase County and four from Lyon.”
Fjell said there have been no formal discussions in existing districts regarding pulling out of a district.
Under the new district, each county would maintain an office in their home counties, Creager said, after an audience member inquired about the issue.
“When you go into the district all Lyon County staff will be housed where they currently are,” he said. “And all the Chase County staff will be housed in Chase County. Going in initially, everybody reports to work in the same location they do now.”
dale011 (anonymous) says...
give them a taxing authority and watch the taxes fly. I hate to be a pessimist, but in our current environment you really can't trust government entities anylonger. Everyone is either trying to make a name for themself, notching their place in history, or ramming stuff down the taxpayers throats. While this is primarily in Washington DC, we are not immune to it here in Emporia. Take one look at the courthouse - that will answer any questions you may have about the truth of my position.
September 24, 2009 at 3:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
countrydog (anonymous) says...
they should live we what they have
September 24, 2009 at 5 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
pizza (anonymous) says...
I've heard nothing about the potential benefits to the taxpayer, just for the extension office to have more money. They are real vague about what their mill levy might be compared with what they are now getting from the taxpayers. If I'm not mistaken K-State funds part of the extension offices and local people fund the rest. Is the K-State part still going to be in effect or is this just a way to shift expenses to the local taxpayer?
If the extension becomes a taxing entity what is to stop every other organization from wanting to be one too?
Didn't we just spend 3/4 of a million dollars on a home for the extension office? I can't say I have ever received any benefits from the extension office. Seems more like a lawn and garden deal to me. Most any information they have can be found on the internet for free. Don't believe I'd favor the change.
September 24, 2009 at 7:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SFIns (anonymous) says...
The extension idea died when the internet became common place. The job that most extension agents currently do can be done by anyone with access to the internet. It is time to cut the bloated goverment spending not increase it. Thank about it, when was the last time YOU used the extension office.
September 24, 2009 at 8:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
logical (anonymous) says...
The extension office and staff provide valuable service to our community. Stop in to see what services and publications they have to offer!! The internet can't provide the hands on service to the community that they provide. Extension and 4-H programs benefit our community by producing responsible young people and provide education on numerous topics to adults. Many people in Lyon County regularly utilize their services. K-State will actually provide more money to the district than they currently contribute. No one is interested in raising taxes. Please if you have questions or concerns, contact the Extension staff. They will be glad to visit with you about it.
September 24, 2009 at 11:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
YOU KNOW THAT POSTING ARCHIVED ARTICLES NOW IS A TWO WAY STREET.
BLAST FROM THE PAST:
Sept 2009
Same players, same arguments.
I would direct people to this quote from Dale Fjell of the Northeast Area K-State Research and Extension
“This allows us to have increased relevancy in the counties and to give us the opportunity to maybe reach some more underserved in the county,” Fjell said. “
... Here is an opportunity to be able to provide to do that with ANOTHER WAY TO GENERATE INCOME to do it. That is why we’re trying to do that.”
January 22, 2012 at 8:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
netloafer (anonymous) says...
Steve
Thx. Talk about a money quote or a Freudian slip.
It's fascinating how things haven't changed other than the geography involved.
January 22, 2012 at 9:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
netloafer,
Don't I know it. I hope my other archive post does not confuse people, probably should have done that one differently.
January 22, 2012 at 9:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Of course " UNLIMITED TAXING AUTHORITY " is a sticking point and should be a sticking point. As any taxing authority should be a sticking point . But, when the taxing authority or control is removed entirely from the people of one county/area and moved to an entirely different county or area, that should be a " sticking point " as well.
The ability of the people to vote on taxes, any taxes and vote on the amount is also a point to consider.
Yes, we are/have been assured by the Extension District administration that they will not abuse their taxing authority. Haven' t we all heard that " Line " before ! I have only one thing to say to that .
Another point to consider is, as things now stand or at least " were " , the Lyon County Extension Service, had to request an amount of funding needed from the Lyon County Commission, etc., and that includes a tax mil levy increase, that could and should be brought to a public vote of the electorate, for approval or disapproval. But of course that doesn' t always happen, unless a protest petition is launched that will " force " the issue to be brought to a vote.
I have asked myself this question, ever since I first heard about this Extension District issue .
How difficult would it be to force a public taxpayer vote on a tax mil levy issue or funding issue ?
Don' t You Believe It !!
JMO
January 22, 2012 at 9:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
netloafer (anonymous) says...
Steve
No no. You're fine! I think the folks from extension made the Freudian slip. They spelled their desires out in no unceratain terms.
You did the right thing. History is important. As I see it, their previous statements can become bulletin board material.
By the way, I got a gaggle of signatures this morning. I'm going to be cancassing my neighborhood this afternoon for more.
January 22, 2012 at 1:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )