Letter To The Editor: A Vote 'For' Ballot Measure Supports 4-H

What do you value? Hard work? Commitment? Integrity?

This is exactly what 4-H is working to instill in our young people.

Our Antelope County 4-H program is growing and flourishing right now. Just 5 years ago, there were 115 members and now there are a whopping 303 4-Hers! There are many reasons our numbers have more than doubled, and one of them is the Antelope County Ag Society's dedication to our county fair.

The Ag Society paid over $12,000 in 4-H premiums alone. Not to mention the costs to provide water, electricity and pay for judges. But our growing numbers are causing growing pains for the Ag Society.

Their own funds are restricted, making it tougher for them to pay the bills. The November ballot will have a measure that could change that. A vote FOR this measure will release the restricted funds and give the Ag Society the ability to make improvements.

The current levy is at $108,000/.43 cents. The asking would change to $140,000/.55 cents. This means if you owned a $100,000 piece of property, your contribution for the Ag Society would go from $4.30/year to $5.50/year. That's about $1 a year to help 4-H!

Passing this measure will free up capital for future projects, such as a new small animal building for poultry, rabbits and bucket calves. The Ag Society would also like to purchase new fans for the show arena and LED security lights at the fairgrounds. Right now, their funds may only be used to restore the existing property.

We know that some of the Ag Society's financial struggles are the direct result of our growing 4-H program. Please help 4-H continue to thrive and vote FOR the Ag Society's measure on November 6.

Rhonda Meyer
Antelope County 4-H Council President