Cooperative Extension Implements Fee-For-Services Structure

Colorado State University Cooperative Extension is launching a program to recover costs of services, due to state budget limitations for the organization. The program will implement user fees for clientele to recover costs. Traditionally, most services provided by Cooperative Extension have been free of charge to the public as part of Colorado State University’s land-grant commitment to providing information and education to people living in Colorado.

"With reduced state appropriations to Cooperative Extension’s budget, new revenue sources are needed to maintain quality programs and services," said Milan Rewerts, director of Cooperative Extension. "A structure for the fee program has been developed to allow appropriate flexibility in services delivered by Cooperative Extension to clientele around the state. The program will recover costs by charging fees for educational opportunities."

Local Cooperative Extension agents along with county government officials will determine specific fees for each program within their geographical area. However, a consistent approach or formula will be used to determine fees across the state. Some programs, such as education provided to food stamp recipients, may continue to be provided without additional charges. In addition, waivers will be provided for people unable to pay fees.

The cost recovery and user fee program has been implemented with financial targets for the next three years, beginning with a target of up to $300,000 statewide by June 2005.

The fees will be used to support operational costs, technology, supplies and support educational resource development within Cooperative Extension.

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Colorado State University Cooperative Extension brings the resources of the university to you. As part of a nation-wide system, we call upon the latest research to help Coloradoans learn more about gardening and commercial horticulture, healthy eating, personal finances, community resources, agricultural technology, food safety, dealing with changes in their community, family relationships and managing small acreages and natural resources. Our youth development program annually reaches more than 115,000 children in Colorado. Our 57 county offices, serving 59 Colorado counties, help people use university expertise on the job, at home and in their community.