The Chelan County Extension Office will close at Noon on Fridays.
Why the New Hours?
Chelan County is experiencing very difficult financial times due to declining revenues from a variety of sources, such as sales taxes. Over the past year, all county departments have had to reduce spending to help meet the anticipated loss of revenue. WSU Chelan County Extension has been treated equitably in this process.
In January, we reduced our budget by 2.5%, or $10,500. As of August first, we reduced our 2009 budget by an additional $22,000, or about 6% of our total. Assuming the county's financial situation holds to the trend that is currently predicted, it is anticipated that in January, 2010, we will take another reduction of 10% or just over $33,000.
How we are dealing with these reductions?
Chelan County contributes about 24% of the total cost of the Extension budget. The other 76% comes from a mix of funds from USDA (federal dollars), Washington State University (state dollars), grants, program fees and contracts. This structure has allowed us to continue much of what we do, but has also forced us to explore ways to initiate new programs. Unfortunately, this has forced us to change what we do to accommodate the new funding sources' priorities.
We have laid off one employee, reduced spending in the operations side of the budget (travel, printing, educational supplies), by about $13,000 and reduced employee hours by 4-5 hours each week. We will make up some of this with grants and generous gifts from our clientele. The new office hours are a direct result of the reduction of work hours of all county staff. Rather than try to "cover" our normal work hours, reducing hours of operation seemed much more sensible. Most of our staff work extended hours, including evenings and weekends already, so this reduction will help create a balance in the number of hours they work each week.
Why do we carry on?
Because the efforts of WSU Chelan County Extension are not dictated by laws, rules / regulations, or what someone "higher up" thinks is needed, but by the requests from local participants. Programs in support of agriculture, youth, families, nutrition, horticulture and community development are delivered with support and guidance from local planning committees. We bring university-based research information and training to bear on situations that you tell us are needed, whether in business, schools, farms, government or families.
What we deliver on our web site is specific to what our clientele tell us they need and want in order to be successful. The information is usually customized to local situations, makes use of locally available resources and partners, and delivered with specific analysis, guidance and instruction from our educational staff. Our staff is often the leader in the state and the nation with the programs and information they are posting and is not available elsewhere.
We appreciate the support of local government, the schools, businesses and citizens of the county we serve. The partnership between WSU and Chelan County continues to bring a wide variety of educational opportunities that allow us all to prosper and achieve the goals we have set for ourselves. 
If you would like to comment, I'd appreciate hearing from you via e-mail:
WSU Chelan County Extension
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