FARMINGTON – County commissioners endorsed a plan put forward by the local cooperative extension to move their operations across town, as the agency seeks additional space to house its growing operations.
The University of Maine Cooperative Extension in Franklin County is an organization funded through the federal USDA, UMaine system and county government, whose goal is to assist community businesses and residents by offering classes and training and helping plan new initiatives.
The staff of the Cooperative Extension is currently working out of the Facility Management Building, a University-owned property adjacent to the municipal building. However, the recent economic slowdown has increased the demand for cooperative training sessions, on subjects ranging from how to plan a viral marketing campaign to how to grow vegetables in a garden.
Because of this, UMaine Cooperative Extension’s Board President Harvey Hayden, told commissioners Tuesday that the time to move had come.
“We have two part time staff and two nutrition associates sharing two computers in one office… which also serves as our meeting room and staff kitchen,” said Extension Professional Dave Fuller, when the search began to widen in March.
Cooperative Extension staff have also been storing supplies at their homes, due to a lack of storage space. Hayden said that the lack of space had prevented at least one staffing position from being filled.
The cooperative extension, true to its community-centered nature, recently asked residents for their suggestions. Hayden, along with Board Member William Crandall, noted that they had been working on the space issue for the past two years. They said Tuesday that they believe they had found the perfect place.
The Cooperative Extension plans to move its operations to a leased office on Pleasant Street, across the street from The Granary Brew Pub & Restaurant. The building in question most recently housed the Sexual Assault Victims Emergency Services agency and the now-defunct Foothills Arts program.
While commissioners balked at outright approving of the move, given the length of the 5-year lease and their inability to guarantee funding for the extension in the future, they did vote unanimously to endorse the extension’s operations and plans in general.
Hayden said that the extension would save money through the lengthier lease. Calling the arrangement a “5-year plan that will serve the county,” Crandall and Hayden reported increases across the board at cooperative extension events. These include 4-H agricultural club activities, community-based tourism planning, gardening programs and nutrition and food advice.
