Need for funds prompts signature gathering from supporters of Extension Service
The Polk County Extension Service is down to its last option. Minus a jolt in funding, the extension service office — now open just three days a week — will close next year. “You just can’t limp along doing fundraising, bake sales and spaghetti feeds forever,” said former station superintendent John Burt. The prospect of closing the service has prompted supporters to gather signatures for a ballot measure that would create an educational service district and institute a property tax. Backers need 6,215 valid signatures to place a measure on the May ballot.