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.
Public Meetings Notice
All meetings are held at 555 Court St NE, 5th Floor, Commissioner's Board Rm
Notice of Budget Hearing LB 1 FY 24-25
Notice of Budget Hearing
A public meeting of the Marion County Extension & 4H Service District will be held on June 25, 2024 at 1:30 pm in the Commissioners Board Room 5th floor, 555 Court Street NE, Salem Oregon. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024 as approved by the Marion County Extension & 4H Service District Budget Committee. A summary of the budget is presented below. A copy of the budget may be inspected or obtained at Marion County Community Services, 555 Court Street, 1st floor, Suite 1236, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. or online at https://www.co.marion.or.us/CS/ServiceDistrict/Pages/Budget.aspx. This budget is for an annual budget period. This budget was prepared on a basis of accounting that is the same as the preceding year. This is a public meeting where deliberations of the Marion County Extension & 4H Service District will take place. Anyone wishing to testify may do so by written comments mailed to Marion County Community Services, Attn: Chris Eppley Budget Officer, P.O. Box 14500 Salem, OR 97309 or emailed to communityservices@co.marion.or.us. To be included in the record, comments must include the commenter's full name, address or email address.
Chris Eppley, Budget Officer
2024 Service District Meetings:
Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 2:45 p.m.
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 1:30 p.m
Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 3:00 p.m.
2024 Budget Committee Meeting:
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 - 2:45 PM - 4:30 PM
Public Hearing:
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 - 1:30 P.M. - 3:00 P.M.
District Contact
Marion County Community Services
Chris Eppley, Director
555 Court Street NE, Suite 1236
Salem, OR 97301
(503) 588-7975
ceppley@co.marion.or.us
OSU Extension and 4-H Services
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Find Us
Office Location:
555 Court Street St NE #1236
Salem, OR 97301
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