In Nebraska, the University has an interlocal agreement with county government to provide the local support including funding through local property tax dollars for the office facility, support staff, travel, programming supplies and equipment. This support varies depending on the size of the county. Each county or groups of counties have a constitution and bylaws that provide for an extension board to assist with program identification and planning.
County Board of Commissioners/ Supervisors
County government in Nebraska is organized in one of two models:
- Township counties: the county is subdivided into organized townships and governed by a 7-member Board of Supervisors.
- Commissioner counties: the county is governed by a 3-, 5-, or 7-member Board of Commissioners; these are not subdivided into organized townships.
The primary responsibilities of the County Board are:
- Administration of programs established by State law
- Adoption of the County budget
- Care for County property
- Management of County funds
- Setting of tax levies and salaries of elected or appointed County officials
Each of the 83 Extension county offices receive funding and support from the county/counties as part of an interlocal agreement. Each year, the Lead Educator in the county office is required to submit a budget to the County Board(s) for approval. It is integral to build and maintain a strong, trusting relationship with the County Board(s). Extension and the counties should be working collaboratively towards strategic visions and plans to improve the lives of community members through the work of Extension.
The Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO) website can be a great resource. You can learn more here.
County/ Multi-County Extension Boards
Extension Boards are a unit of the county government and are granted powers/authority as bestowed upon it by the county/counties. Board members are voted in and serve a limited number of years, based on the constitution and by-laws and interlocal agreements in that county/counties.
Extension Board members are asked to carry out the many duties. The two areas of greatest focus are:
- Evaluate and engage in strategic planning to improve Extension’s programming to serve the county/counties.
- Act as an advocate of Extension; engaging community members in the work of Extension and connecting with local and state elected officials in support of Extension’s work and budget.
Frequency of board meetings, standing agenda items, and ad-hoc/advisory committees vary from county to county.
Local Extension Boards are supported through the Nebraska Association of County Extension Boards (NACEB). Learn more about Extension Boards and NACEB here.
4-H Councils
The 4-H Council serves as a local group of elected representatives who provide guidance, solicit support, and assist in carrying out programs and activities in the interest of the 4-H youth development program. The 4-H Council is made up of volunteers who are interested in promoting positive youth development and represent the demographics, delivery modes and project areas they serve. Their input, fundraising and interaction help to insure 4-H provides the needed educational programs for the area.
The major functions of the 4-H Council are:
- Develop and Secure Resources
- Establish and Support Local Policy
- Advise Development of Local Program Plan
- Advocate for Youth & Nebraska Extension
4-H Council members should act in the overall best interest of all young people and are expected to regularly attend Council and committee meetings, volunteer at 4-H events and activities and support the final recommendations and decisions of the Council. The 4-H Council operates under the leadership of the local 4-H Staff.
Learn more about 4-H Councils here.