Input sought on U of I extension office cuts

Public input is being sought on ways to cut costs, yet continue to provide "high-impact" service, at University of Illinois extension offices.

Funding for the offices, which operate in most Illinois counties, is projected to drop up to $5 million next year and the extension wants public input on the options. A series of public meetings are scheduled beginning Feb. 22.

In Lake County, a teleconference is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Feb. 24 at the extension office, 100 S. Route 45, Grayslake. Visit www.extension.uiuc.edu for a list of times and dates.

According to James Reaves, director of the Lake County office, extensions are just that.

"We try to bring the eduction from the university to the people," Reaves said.

Master gardener, nutrition education and 4-H youth programs are the main offerings, although educators are available on a variety of subjects including family financial management and senior health issues, for example.

"To be fiscally responsible, U of I Extension is planning for funding cuts, but we want to make these cuts in such a way as to maintain Extension's strong tradition of high-impact educational programming, which has had a dramatic effect on the citizens of Illinois over the years," said Bob Hoeft, interim Extension director.

One idea under consideration is consolidating offices to reduce administrative and rent costs. Maintaining 4-H and youth programming will be a priority, he added.

The U of I Extension's 2009 budget was $65 million, with 800 employees. Fifteen full and part-time employees work at the Lake County office.

"No decisions have been made to this point, just a decision that something has to be done," Reaves said.

Reorganization plans are expected to be finalized in mid-April.