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Cooperative Extension
i Colorado State University
Office of the Director
August 14,2003 1 Administration Building
Fort Collins, Colorado 805234040
(970) 491-6281
FAX: (970)491-6208
TO: Chair, Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Milan A. Rewerts, Director
SUBJECT: 4-H Program Participation Fees
As a final part of addressing the current state budget issues affecting Cooperative Extension,
we are implementing 4-H Program Participation Fees. After receiving input from county and
state faculty and the Director's Administrative Council (DAC), I finalized guidelines for
Colorado's 4-H program participation fees (see attached). I am confident that the resources
realized from this fee program will ensure a viable and growing Colorado 4-H program.
Implementing this fee program in 4-H is the first part of a more comprehensive revenue
enhancement effort in Cooperative Extension. In the next several months recommendations
regarding other user fees,indirect cost sharing, salary savings,and reasonable fiscal targets will
be developed. We feel confident that we can successfully implement these 4-H participation
fees as part of our broader revenue generation effort.
Questions or comments about the 4-H program participation fees should be directed to Doug
Steele (970491-6422) or me (970491-6281).
MAR:dim
Enclosure
cc: Doug Steele, Assistant Director,4-H/Youth Development
Cooperative Extension Regional Directors
County/Area Extension Directors
Larry Kallenberger,Colorado Counties,Inc.
Greg Bledsoe,Colorado Counties,Inc.
171-7-
Colorado State University,U.S. Department of Agriculture and Colorado comae
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Operational Guidelines for Implementation
of a 4-H Program Participation Fee
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension will initiate 4-H program participation
fees for the upcoming 4-H year that begins October 1, 2003, for an initial three-year
period. Fees will be assessed based on the total number of youth enrolled in 4-H clubs
and special interest projects. An increase in curriculum fees will also be implemented.
Background
The overall Cooperative Extension state budget has been reduced by 1.6 million dollars
or 18 percent, a continuation of fiscal rescissions to CSU and Cooperative Extension.
Over the past five years, as part of overall Cooperative Extension reductions,
approximately$238,000 has been reduced from the state 4-H budget through budget
decisions impacting specialist positions, support staff, technology and curriculum
development. During this same period, the 4-H program has seen an increase in
enrollment. These guidelines were developed to bridge the gap between the loss of
previous and current funding sources and the needs of today's Colorado 4-H program.
Rationale
The 4-H program participation fees will generate resources to insure continuity to the
program support, management and special services offered through the state 4-H office.
The fees will:
• Sustain the state 4-H operating and travel budget to support county and state
programming.
• Assist with salaries for state support staff.
• Continue the enhancement of technology for Web site, enrollment management and
curriculum development and delivery.
• Maintain a collaborative relationship with the Family and Youth Institute (FYI).
• Fund staff development opportunities for state and county faculty.
These fees will not replace the annual voluntary contribution to the Colorado 4-H Youth
Fund, Inc. Counties are encouraged to continue to support the 4-H Youth Fund and its
mission(and long history) of supporting Colorado 4-H youth with scholarships and
financial assistance for out-of-state trips.
Guidelines
• The fee assessment schedule will be:
o $5.00 per traditional club member.
o $1.00 per special interest project enrollment.
• An average increase of$.50 per unit will be made in curriculum fees.
• If excess funds are collected,those funds will be available as program mini-grants
to counties through an RFP process during the subsequent fiscal year.
• These guidelines will be reviewed annually to determine if target goals are being
met.
• This is a participation based fee. Counties will be responsible for paying the fee
for youth who are identified as economically disadvantaged or unable to pay the
fee themselves. The inability to pay the fee must not prevent youth from
participation in the 4-H program.
• County offices have the responsibility of implementing a collection plan which is
appropriate to local needs. While the participation fee level is consistent across
the state, counties have the option to collect directly from participants, identify
donors/supporters, etc., as appropriate, for local planning.
Payment Requirements
• Program participation fees will be assessed based on the ES 237 enrollment
numbers for the current year.
• The collection period will be based on the 4-H year, October 1 to September 30.
Funds for those enrolled by June 1 must be received by June 1 of each year.
Payment for those enrolling between June 1 and September 30,will be due
September 30.
• Checks should be made payable to Colorado State University and sent to the State
4-H office by June 1 and September 30 of each calendar year.
Potential Implications
Consequences of not implementing a 4-H participation fee include:
• Loss of state specialists or/and county based agents with youth responsibilities.
• Loss of 4-H projects.
• Reduced support for the use of technology, including web site development, on-line
registrations and curriculum delivery.
• Inadequate assistance from state support staff for state events and state fair
management.
• No campus support for enrollment management.
Administrative Review
Prior to the conclusion of a three-year period, a review committee will be appointed to
evaluate the fees and the operational details and make any necessary recommendations.
The review committee will assess whether these guidelines are meeting the goals of the
Cooperative Extension system.
August 6, 2003
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