On May 1, 2023, the Todd County Extension staff began operating from the new County Extension Office in Elkton, KY.  Construction had begun in June of 2022 and was substantially complete in April of 2023.  The building contains 6,236 square feet of interior space, with a 2,013 square foot meeting room, a conference room, demonstration kitchen, soil test room, break room, 4 offices, staff assistant reception/work area, several storage rooms, and restrooms.  The parking lot will accommodate 100 vehicles.

The total cost for the Office building project (excluding furniture) was over $2.6 million, with the lot development totaling almost $260,000, excluding architect fees.  The building itself cost $2.36 million, including the parking lot.  To finance the project, the Extension District Board took out a $2 million mortgage loan provided by two local banks.  The construction funding shortfall has been covered by District Board savings, current income, and a fund-raising campaign.

The fund-raising campaign began in the fall with letters sent to local businesses.  Agents also sent letters out to their mailing lists making our clients aware of the giving opportunities.  Donors who contributed $5,000 or more were allowed to “name” certain rooms in the building and they were allowed to spread their giving over a period of 5 years if they wished (ex.: $1,000 per year for 5 years).

The money collected from our fund-raising effort has been utilized to purchase office furniture, purchase meeting room tables and chairs, install sod, pay part of the cost of paving the parking lot, etc.  The remaining funds will be used to meet future building and office needs as directed by the Extension District Board.

As of July 1, 2023, the Todd County Extension District Board’s fund-raising campaign has collected $107,350 “in-hand,” with an additional $72,000 pledged to be donated over the next four years.  Of the $107,350 received “in-hand,” I was directly responsible for raising more than $74,000, or 69 percent of the total collected.  Of the funds pledged for future giving, I was responsible for acquiring $32,000 in pledges, which was 44 percent of the total.