MSU Extension Roscommon County

On August 6, Roscommon County voters made the decision not to approve a .13 mill request to support Michigan State University Extension (MSU Extension) and Roscommon County Economic Development Committee services for another six years. This funding would have sustained critical programs throughout the county.

MSU Extension operates through a collaborative funding model involving local, state, and federal governments. Local investment not only secures federal and state contributions but also leverages grant funding, ensuring comprehensive support for Roscommon County residents. This partnership provides access to MSU's expertise and statewide programs covering youth development, agriculture, health, nutrition, natural resources, and economic development.

"It is disheartening that the majority of voters decided not to support MSU Extension's mission of providing quality educational programming and resources to Roscommon County," said Julie Darnton, district director. "However, we are grateful to those supporters who have been with us along the way and continue to believe in our mission."

With a presence in Roscommon County for over a century, MSU Extension has significantly impacted the community. In the 2022-2023 period alone, over 708 individuals benefited from MSU Extension's diverse offerings of in-person and virtual learning opportunities. These initiatives aimed to enhance family well-being, promote healthier lifestyles, improve agricultural sustainability, foster youth leadership skills, and address various community development priorities.

Despite the funding outcome, MSU Extension's 4-H programs remain crucial in engaging Roscommon County youth, preparing them for future success in academia, careers, and personal growth. Last year, 452 county youth participated in 15 4-H programs in Roscommon County.

"Regardless of this decision, MSU Extension remains committed to serving Roscommon County," Darnton added. "Extension would not be the organization it is today without our clients, participants, partners and staff. Having served Roscommon County for over a century, we aspire to continue serving for many more decades to come."

The ballot proposal was a collaboration between the Roscommon County Economic Development Committee (RCEDC) and MSU Extension because both organizations experienced budget reductions in 2022 when Roscommon County faced budget shortfalls.

The partnership between the organizations allowed each to promote the strengths of the other with a focus on serving youth through MSU Extension’s 4-H Programs and serving the residents and businesses of Roscommon County by enhancing the workforce, seeking grants to improve the cities and villages, advocating for high speed internet, and marketing the area to capture tourist dollars.

“This millage brought together two organizations that work to return good value to the public in Roscommon County,” said Julie Darnton, MSU Extension District Director. “The RCEDC, led by volunteers actively working to support and sustain the local business community, and MSU Extension and 4-H engage people across the lifespan in educational opportunities to help people improve their lives. We worked to help the voters of Roscommon understand how their vote would impact their communities into the future.”

Michigan State University Extension plays a pivotal role in improving lives by providing MSU's extensive knowledge resources directly to individuals, businesses, and communities across Michigan. With a presence in every county, MSU Extension faculty and staff contribute to Michigan's economic growth by empowering residents with essential information to enhance job performance, support healthy families, strengthen community ties, and inspire children to envision and achieve prosperous futures.

For more information about MSU Extension programs and services, please visit extension.msu.edu.

About Michigan State University Extension: Michigan State University Extension brings MSU's vast resources directly to individuals, communities, and businesses across Michigan. With a presence in every county, MSU Extension delivers research-based education and expertise that helps residents improve their lives.