If Dubuque County Extension's question on the Nov. 4 ballot sounds familiar, there's a reason for that.
Public Measure D is the same measure the Extension put before voters in 2006. It's still a maximum of 13.5 cents per thousand dollars of assessed property valuation. It still would more than double the Extension's annual operating budget, bringing it to $265,500.
In fact, the only thing ISU Extension staff and supporters hope will be different this time is the outcome.
In 2006, only 48 percent of voters said "yes." Fifty-two percent turned down the chance to continue to fund dozens of important programs in our community. Next month, citizens have another chance to strengthen Extension. Public Measure D deserves a "yes" vote.
Imagine running your business or your household with no increase for 22 years. Belt-tightening wouldn't begin to cover it. Extension has been operating on a shoestring budget all these years. Imagine what it could accomplish with more community support.
Chances are, you've heard about -- and maybe even participated in -- a program put on by the county ISU Extension without ever knowing the group was behind it. Maybe you were a part of Lighten Up Iowa. Maybe you went to a first-time homebuyers workshop. Or received advice from a Master Gardener. Take all those programs out of the community, and virtually everyone would feel the void.
Taxpayers' contribution has netted Extension $112,500 annually. Now, Extension officials hope to raise the asking to bring in $265,000 a year -- the maximum allowed under state law.
The measure would cost the owner of a home valued at $100,000 an additional $2.06 per year. After the Homestead Credit and tax rollback, it will likely be less than $2. For a 160-acre farm, the change would amount to an additional $7.96 per year, before credits.
Most importantly, the money is going toward excellent programming in communities throughout the county. Thousands of people have been helped by the Multicultural Family Center for programs, such as using a computer to build resumes and stay in touch with family around the world via e-mail. Hundreds of Dubuque County 4-Hers were assessed a $10 fee after the measure failed in 2006 -- something Extension officials would like to waive if funding increases. Services such as school nutrition programs and family financial counseling also are provided by Extension.
When you see the formal name on the ballot of the "Agricultural Extension District," don't be confused. This is Dubuque County Extension -- the group that administers the biggest 4-H program in the state to about 500 local youth. Taxpayers get their money's worth out of Dubuque County Extension. A "yes" vote on Public Measure D only will expand the good programs already at work.
Editorials reflect the consensus of the Telegraph Herald Editorial Board.
