A proposed merger between the K-State Research and Extension offices in Douglas and Shawnee counties is on hold for now.
Douglas County commissioners tabled the proposal Wednesday night because they want to discuss the matter with the Shawnee County Commission, which is slated to take up the proposal today.
"I'd like to talk through this and the impacts of it with them," said Commission Chairman Charles Jones.
County Administrator Craig Weinaug said he would contact the Shawnee County Commission to set up a meeting.
Extension officials with Douglas and Shawnee counties said the merger would allow for more and improved services for the residents. The merger would mean access to a total of 10 extension agents, they said.
But Jones and Commissioner Bob Johnson took issue with the formation of a new taxing authority as a result of the merger. That is the result of legislation created in 1991. The proposed taxing entity could levy up to 2.5 mills.
John Bradley, chairman of the Douglas County extension board, said it was unlikely that the mill levy would be set at 2.5 mills because the public would elect the board members.
It also was pointed out to commissioners that taxes for Douglas County residents likely would decrease. The Douglas County Commission allocated $442,282 this year to the extension office, which is about .49 mills.
With the merger, Douglas County residents would provide $379,167 -- or about .42 mills.
Shawnee County residents, however, likely would see an increase.
Jones noted that Douglas County did a better job of funding its extension office than Shawnee County.
Looking at the funding per capita, Douglas County spends about $4.32, compared with Shawnee County's $2.83.
"I think you're going to lose money in the deal," Jones said.
But extension office staff and board members argued that the funding levels wouldn't be harmed.
The main reason is that there would be no county line separating the district. They also pointed out several times that the county's mill levy would decrease because commissioners wouldn't have to fund the extension office anymore.
But commissioners also had concerns about creating a new taxing entity.
"It's very difficult for me to vote for another unit of government," Johnson said. "I'm not saying I'm against it. I want to support it so much and support what you're doing. I'm just having a hard time."
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