The Linn County Board of Commissioners unanimously decided Tuesday it will pay to add a description of the measure concerning the establishment of a county-wide 4-H and Extension Service taxing district to the state voters pamphlet.

"I think based on the 12,000 signatures that were gathered, based on the creation of a new tax, based on how people live their lives these days - how they vote by mail and how they use the voters pamphlet as a reference to make decisions - we have a duty," Chairman Roger Nyquist said.

Commissioner John Lindsey noted his support is based on the fact that the board would ultimately control the money for the district.

Assistant County Counsel Gene Karandy will prepare the statement and both Clerk Steve Druckenmiller and County Administrative Officer Ralph Wyatt will review the language before sending it on to Salem.

Commissioners have already approved the ballot title.

The county has no legal obligation to print a description of the measure in a voters pamphlet. Linn County does not regularly print its own local voters pamphlet.

Karandy said he has heard second-hand that several individuals have expressed interest in placing statements advocating their position on the matter in the state voters pamphlet.

Druckenmiller said the state charges $300 per argument, which Linn County will collect. Those interesting in printing an argument should contact the clerk.

Linn County will pay the cost of printing the ballot title and description. Space in the state voters pamphlet is charged per column inch, and Druckenmiller estimates the cost to the county will be between $500 and $1,000.

In May, petitioners gathered enough signatures to put on the general election ballot the question of whether or not a 4-H and Extension Service district with a permanent tax rate limit of $0.07 per $1,000 assessed property value should be formed.

If passed, the tax would be effective beginning January 2009.