CINCINNATI, OH (FOX19) -
Officials with The Ohio State University Hamilton
County Extension say the office will close in January due to lack of funding unless operating
and programmatic dollars are generated.
The closure would involve losing Horticulture,
Family and Consumer Science, and 4-H programs.
The Extension office, which has 13
employees and a $400,000 annual budget, has been funded by the Metropolitan
Sewer District since 2008. This funding
is not being renewed for 2013. Officials say they are working with the Hamilton County Commissioners for other avenues, but
to date, nothing is forthcoming.
"Normally we would be looking for county
dollars, but, due to the unfortunate situation Hamilton County is facing with
their budget, we are forced to look for funding from individuals or the
community. This is the only way Extension, which has been in Hamilton County
since 1917, can be funded," said Tonya Horvath, Director and 4-H Educator.
Local dollars are required for the
Extension office to remain open. If
citizens would like to donate to the Save
Hamilton County Extension! fund, they can do so by clicking here. All donations are tax deductible.
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