San Benito County officials must step forward to explain the
rationale behind a proposal to cut $70,000 from the University of
California Cooperative Extension.
San Benito County officials must step forward to explain the rationale behind a proposal to cut $70,000 from the University of California Cooperative Extension.
Cutting that small amount of cash jeopardizes all the UCCE’s programs, including the beloved 84-year-old 4-H program it offers to local kids.
We understand the county is struggling with a $4 million budget deficit, but cutting $70,000 seems to be a drop in the bucket when it comes to balancing that kind of deficit. That drop in the bucket, however, would have a ripple effect that could mean 256 4-H kids between 5- and 19-years-old will not be able to show their animals at fairs, the UCCE would end 22 research projects and close, and its local farm advisers would have to work elsewhere.
There may be a good reason for the proposed cuts, but the public doesn’t know what it is. County Administrative Officer Terrence May didn’t return calls Monday. Supervisor Richard Scagliotti, a member of the budget committee that is recommending a number of cuts, hung up on a Free Lance reporter when called. In fact, the only supervisor who could be reached was Reb Monaco. And he didn’t like the idea.
“I’m very concerned about this, and I would like to see even budget cuts across the board and not just zeroed in on one program,” he said.
That sounds reasonable.
The federal and state governments pay for 92 percent of the UCCE budget. The county pays for 8 percent. But cutting that 8 percent means losing everything UCCE does here in San Benito County. UCCE officials say the county money pays for office expenses and a secretary. They could take some cuts from the county, but losing 100 percent means the UCCE will close down, UCCE officials say.
With it would go 4-H. The 4-H program has given kids in the county wholesome activities and taught them marketable skills for decades. Leaders in 4-H are rightly alarmed by the proposal. The UCCE also conducts farm and livestock research. It has helped control yellow star thistle, which impacts range grass, and it has reduced husk flies to the benefit of walnut farmers.
For a county with such a strong agricultural base, one that contributes greatly to the local economy, losing those services would be a serious blow to farmers and kids.
We don’t understand the rationale of losing so much to save $70,000.
So, please, county officials, step forward and explain it to us.
We also encourage readers to tell officials how they feel about potential cuts to a program that has ties to so many county residents.
Reach CAO Terrence May at: 636-4000 or [email protected]. Scagliotti also can be reached at 636-4000.
To respond to this editorial or comment on this issue, please send or bring letters to Editor, Hollister Free Lance, 350 Sixth St., Hollister, Calif. 95023 or fax to 637-4104 or e-mail to [email protected]
