Bensberg suggests 4-H and Humane Society work together to save money

You know what they say about necessity being the mother of invention.

El Paso County Commission Chairman Jim Bensberg saw the need: two county programs, 4-H and the Humane Society, strapped for funds.

His suggested invention: Having 4-Hers help round up stray animals and perform other animal control duties previously handled by the Humane Society.

The idea stems from the county's dim revenue picture.

While mid-year budget cuts probably won't be necessary, the county faces a funding gap next year if the economic outlook remains unchanged.

The seed of the idea was planted when Joel Plath, Colorado State University Extension regional director, requested the county increase 4-H funding to $125,000 next year from this year's $75,000.

Bensberg noted the county cut funding for the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region this year, causing a drop in services and a rise in complaints.

Trying to kill two birds with one stone, Bensberg suggested 4-H and the Humane Society work together.

"We're always trying to find creative ways to stretch the dollar," he said. "While you have a great cause, someone on the other side of the aisle has a greater cause."

Plath wasn't enthusiastic, but said older 4-Hers might be willing to volunteer time at the Humane Society.

"I just want to start the discussion," Bensberg said.

Commissioner Amy Lathen wants to end it.

"4-Hers can't come in and pick up that slack," she said.

A better answer to the 4-H funding squeeze, she said, is to privatize the 4-H program, which mentors roughly 600 El Paso County youth in a wide array of projects, including sewing, cooking, leathercraft, crops and animal husbandry.

The problem, Plath said, is that 4-H was constituted through federal legislation that set up the land-grant colleges in the 19th century. That means 4-H can't operate as a private organization on its own like the Boy Scouts.

Lathen, a 4-H supporter, said she plans to talk with Congressman Doug Lamborn, R-Colorado Springs, about changing the federal law, "so we have more options."

Meantime, Commissioner Wayne Williams wasn't hopeful about 4-H's funding in 2010.

"It's a question of what can we afford," he said.

The county plans to spend $232 million this year but will bring in $229 million. The difference comes from one-time funds that won't be available next year.

That will leave a gap for next year, and Lathen said it will force cuts unless the economy revives, driving up sales tax revenue. Commissioners begin 2010 budget talks next month.

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