Service District

Marion County Extension & 4-H Service District

The district's purpose is to build a stronger economy by fostering successful agriculture and forestry businesses; healthy youth and families; sustainable communities; and natural resources with education services including:

• Applied research for farmers, family forest owners, and nursery growers to solve disease, insect, production and conservation challenges.
• Volunteer-lead programs, such as 4-H, after-school, camps, Master Gardener, Master Food Preserver, food safety, nutrition, Master Woodland Manager, and Master Naturalist.
• Small farm development for food supply, community and school gardens, farmers markets, and agritourism. Marion County Small Farm Loop
• Noxious weed management to protect city and rural watershed health.
• Wildfire Preparedness - learn about wildfire preparedness in Marion County through the Fire Aware. Fire Prepared. Webinar Series 

Out There. Working in Marion County

On May 19, 2015, Marion County voters approved the formation of the Marion County Extension and 4-H Service District, which established a property tax rate of $0.05 per $1,000 assessed value to fund Extension programs.  The district serves all 20 incorporated cities, as well as the unincorporated areas of Marion County and works in cooperation with Oregon State University Extension Service to bring important services and supports to local residents. (Feasibility Study)

District Governance

The Marion County Board of Commissioners serves as the governing board for the district as directed by state statute (ORS 451.485).  Community Services Department Director Chris Eppley serves as the District Administrative Officer and Budget Officer. In addition, financial, legal, clerical, treasurer, and procurement services are provided by county positions. 

The annual budget and completed audit are available to the public.

2024 Service District Meetings: