The Oregon State University Extension Service is pleased to be returning to Josephine County after the Board of Commissioners reinstated the program during a public hearing this week.
In June 2024, former Commissioners Herman Baertschiger and John West voted to stop funding for local OSU Extension Services including 4-H, agriculture, forestry, family and community health, and other programs provided to all residents for more than a century.
As a result, OSU Extension was not able to maintain a public office in Josephine County and programming was limited.
On Wednesday, the Board of Commissioners voted 2-1 to approve the proposed budget for the Josephine County 4-H/Extension Service District for Fiscal Year 2026. Funds will be allocated from the existing service district balance and no new taxes will be collected for the coming year.
The OSU Extension said it appreciates the Commissioners' support for restoring a partnership to benefit Josephine County residents.
In the coming year, Extension officials said they will focus on managing local 4-H and Master Gardener programs while preparing for a full return to service in the future.
Some regional Extension employees will starting working in Josephine County again, providing residents with access to OSU faculty and research-based information to support agricultural production, food systems and health-related initiatives. They'll also keep working to rebuild relationships and set shared goals with the community.
