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COLORADO
January 23, 2009
Dr. Tony Frank
CSU Interim President
102 Administration
Department 0100
Ft. Collins CO 80523
OFFICE OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PHONE: 970-336-7204
FAX: 970-352-0242
915 10Th STREET
P.O. BOX 758
GREELEY, COLORADO 80632
Dear Dr. Frank:
In September 2008, Colorado State Extension reported that a quarter of the Colorado County
Commissioners who were surveyed indicated they were "neither satisfied, nor dissatisfied" and
eleven percent was moderately dissatisfied with services provided by Extension. At this same time,
CSU reaffirmed its commitment of accountability to the citizens of Colorado and stated its support
of customer -driven and value -oriented programs. Not only is it prudent to review program
effectiveness, but in this time of economic uncertainty, it is critical to provide program outcomes and
investigate potential duplications with other possible service providers.
We are pleased to support the emphasis on value -based programs and, as such, have spent the past
weeks reviewing the services and programs provided by the Weld County Extension program. The
results of this effort continue to validate the support for, and undeniable importance of, 4-H and the
Fair in our community. These programs educate our youth through leadership and quality skill
development. Not only do these programs represent historic importance for Weld County, but it is
evident that they have also been crafted to respond to the ever-changing needs of youth. Ensuring
the long-term success of these programs is critical to Weld County. Affirming the value of these
programs is witnessed by the number of participants, proven leadership development curriculum, the
quality of the programs offered, and the unique agricultural experience gained through participation.
Other programs, such as Family and Consumer Affairs, and Community Resource Development,
while important in their own right, fail to provide the same proven outcomes as the 4-H and Fair
programs. Evaluation of the aforesaid programs yield unclear outcomes, undocumented
effectiveness, small audience participation, and/or duplicated efforts of other agencies. Reduction in
the effectiveness of these programs can likely be traced to the conversion of the family farm in favor
of corporate farming which often employs consultants and staff members with high degrees of
specialized and independent knowledge. The general overall ability to seek consumer -driven
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Dr. Tony Frank
Page 2 January 23, 2009
information, via the web and other online sources, has clearly influenced the way we learn, educate
ourselves, and teach our children. Aligning ourselves and our educational programs with the ability
to embrace these opportunities results in value-added education, which we believe was the goal of
the Smith -Lever Act.
In this light, we are suggesting the following program modifications for the Weld County/Colorado
State Extension Program. To maintain operational efficiency, the Extension Program will be
combined into the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment. Consolidation of
these functions is intended to eliminate program redundancy and provide staff with appropriate
policy and support resources. Larimer and El Paso Counties have similar structures and are quite
pleased with the outcome. Department direction will be provided from the Director of the
Department of Public Health and Environment, Dr. Mark Wallace. Dr. Wallace will work with an
assigned lead worker agent to assist with the daily activities and functions of the Department. The
Department will work with its existing extension boards and agencies while continuing to partner
with Colorado State University for support and direction.
Weld County will continue to house and support three extension agents to cover the areas of 4H/Fair
and Adult Livestock and Dairy. The cost distribution formula for these positions will be based upon
the current annual cost allocation of $11,300.00 for the first agent, $11,800.00 for the second agent,
and $12,300.00 for the third agent. The County concurs with changes in this formula for future cost
of living adjustments for these positions, when warranted. The County agrees to provide full funding
for one office manager, one full-time office support staff, one full-time para-professional, and the
needed part-time staff to support the Fair. Please see the enclosed budget document for details.
We appreciate the opportunity to express our community desires for this program, and we value
the opportunity to visit with you in person on January 27, 2009, to continue this dialogue.
Very truly yours,
cc: JoAnn Powell
Deb Young
Don Warden
Monica Mika
Dr. Mark Wallace
William F. Garcia, Chair
EXTENSION SERVICES BUDGET FOR PROPOSED MOU
BUDGET ITEMS: Status Quo Proposed MOU
STAFFING:
Benson, Sharon $ 56,921 $ 56,921
Langston, Michelle $ 53,854 $ 53,854
Massanro, Sara $ 42,936 $ -
Sitzman, Mary $ 44,200 $ 44,200
Part time $ 6,700 $ 6,700
Petersen, Fred $ 11,550 $
Leiss, Donna $ 12,050 $
Glowacki, Jean $ 12,550 $ 11,300
Jarosz $ 12,550 $ 11,800
Maxey, Keith $ 64,592 $ 12,300
Summer 4H/Fair Staff (3 positions for 12 weeks $ $ -
Sub -total Staffing $ 317,903 $ 197,075
SERVICE AND SUPPLIES:
Office Supplies $ 6,300 $ 5,000
Other Supplies $ 3,000 $ 2,500
Postage $ 8,250 $ 7,000
Printing $ 9,000 $ 8,000
Publications/Subcriptions $ 1,000 $ 700
Phones $ 16,500 $ 10,000
Other profession Services (Interns) $ 3,000 $
Repair and Maintenance (Copier) $ 5,100 $ 4,000
Travel/Mileage $ 30,447 $ 12,000
Sub -total Services and Supplies $ 82,597 $ 49,200
Grand Total $ 400,500 $ 246,275
Difference from Status Quo $ - $ 154,225
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