Author: Phillip Long
Planning Unit: Jefferson County CES
Major Program: Administrative Functions
Plan of Work: Developing leadership skills for community and civic engagement
Outcome: Long-Term Outcome
Since we use these stories as a resource for multiple requests, don’t restrict Success Stories only to traditional Extension appointments and activities. Any accomplishments and efforts that are noteworthy may be included.
Jefferson County Extension Service is challenged to serve the population is 770,000 in the largest county population in Kentucky. Jefferson County operates as a Metro Government that does not have an Extension tax and relies on the funds budgeted by the mayor and 26 Metro Council members and the University of Kentucky. Over the past 15 years, the Metro Government had moved the Extension office three times to various government-owned buildings due to budget cuts and building environmental hazards.
The Jefferson County Agent/County Coordinator, responsible for fiscal matters, partnered with Jefferson County Farm Bureau, the University of Kentucky and College of Agriculture Food and Environment, Extension District Board, and Payrite Accounting Services.
The Ag Agent/County Coordinator worked with the Jefferson County Farm Bureau Board of Directors to locate a facility that could house the entire Jefferson County Extension staff of 24. A lease agreement was developed and signed.
The Jefferson County office moved to 4200 Gardiner View Ave in August 2019. The office is centrally located and easily accessible to clients. The location makes it easy for staff to conduct programs as well as travel to community project locations.
The move has reduced expenses, increased collaboration between agents and program assistants, and attracted new clients.
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