U of I Extension advises on cutbacks

Logan County to be melded with Menard and Sangamon

[May 20, 2010]   In response to unprecedented cuts in state funding, University of Illinois Extension has released a map of how local county Extension programs will be administered. John Fulton, Logan County Extension director, said his office has received word that Logan County will be part of a new area that will include Menard and Sangamon counties. Fulton said that to date no information has been made available on staffing or building closures, and he doesn't look to hear anything further until the process begins sometime in July.

The following is the statement issued by the University of Illinois Extension:

"This new organizational map (see link below) includes larger multi-county unit operations with a local presence in every county," said Bob Hoeft, interim director of Extension. "The map reveals the counties that will form new partnerships to reduce administrative costs of county operations. Several factors, including partnering agencies, potential for clientele to relate to each other and geographic resources, were considered in the multi-county configurations."

Programming in the new multi-county units will continue to be guided by local Extension councils, which are made up of local citizens.

Educational programs may see changes as present-day resources are less than in the past. Interest in specific programs will vary across the state; the goal is to support relevant programs that have measurable impact on the quality of life for Illinois residents.

Extension county directors and educators will provide leadership with local councils and stakeholders to identify program priorities and available financial resources to guide staffing needs. This information will guide the next step in the reorganizational plan.

Hoeft says the restructuring addresses financial constraints and provides for a continuation of what Extension is known for -- research-based, high-impact programs meeting changing societal and personal needs.

U of I Extension has had to cut $7 million from its budget as a result of financial constraints imposed by the state and university. As of Wednesday, no fiscal 2010 state funds had been received.

For a map (PDF) of the U of I multi-county unit configuration, click here.

[Text from file received from University of Illinois Extension]