(KAIR)--The formation of a new Extension District, involving the local Kansas counties of Atchison, Doniphan, and Brown, is being considered, with one county already approving the plan.

That happened Tuesday, during the regular meeting of the Atchison County Commission, which approved a resolution "to permit the Atchison County Extension Council to join Brown and Doniphan County Extension Councils in forming an extension district" pursuant to state statute.

The adopted resolution will now be published, with the County to allow for a 60-day protest period. The Extension District would need to be functional by July 1, 2026.

On Monday, the issue was explored during the weekly meeting of the Doniphan County Commission.

According to the meeting's unofficial minutes, a number of extension-related representatives appeared before the Commission in favor of the proposal, including Kathy Tharman, Doniphan County Family Consumer Science Agent, who spoke to the benefits of lowering property taxes, additional specialized agents spread throughout the district, and increases in educational programming.

According to the minutes, each of the three counties would appoint four individuals to serve on the Extension Board initially, and then in odd number years thereafter two board members from each county would be up for public vote during the general election cycle.

Commissioner's had concerns, with the minutes saying Commissioner Timothy Collins voiced concern over future property tax increases, saying the County Commission has the authority to levy the tax now, but if an Extension District is formed, the Extension District Board would set the mill levy rate. County Attorney Charles Baskins stated that the revenue neutral rate process limits the amount of tax that can be levied without a public hearing and adoption of resolution prior to increasing property tax, and an Extension District would fall under the same guidelines as all taxing entities regarding the revenue neutral rate.

Commissioner Wayne Grable said he also has concerns with counties losing control over the amount of property tax that could be levied, saying the most important job of the Commissioners is the budget and finances.

The Doniphan County Commission took no action on the request.

The Brown County Commission is expected to address the proposal during its next meeting.