By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post

GREAT BEND – K-State Research and Extension is a statewide network of educators sharing research-based information and expertise on issues throughout Kansas. This integrated system connects Kansas State University to every county through locally based educators who serve as sources of objective information.

Barton County and Ellis County have operated their own respective Extension offices for years, but Barton County Administrator Richard Boeckman said there is discussion on combining the two offices to become more efficient.

Boeckman said Extension staff believes they can use the seven agents – four in Ellis and three in Barton County more efficiently.

“The significant advantages are that they can avoid doubling up with agents, they can avoid repetition,” he said.

The Ellis County Commission held a special meeting in conjunction with Barton County commissioners this week in Great Bend to discuss the proposition.

The discussion of a merger would not reduce staff or services for either Extension office, rather joining forces might allow more projects to be accomplished with seven agents working together.

If the commissioners from both counties decide in favor of the merger, which would start in July 2017, the Extension District would be an independent governing body with the ability to levy its own taxes.

Both counties plan to ask for public input in the coming months before a decision is made.

There are currently 16 other combined Extension Districts throughout Kansas including the Midway District comprised of Ellsworth and Russell counties, the Walnut District made of Rush, Ness, and Lane counties and Logan, Gove and Trego Counties form the Golden Prairie District.