LANE COUNTY, Ore. -- The OSU extension service program is struggling to stay afloat, but they might get some help from a local option levy.

County Commissioners discussed Tuesday whether to impose a levy that would appear on the next ballot to help pay for the services.

But before they put it to the voters, they want to make sure there's a way to gauge residents' actually benefit from the services.

The proposed measure would impose a local option tax of five cents, per 1,000 of assessed value each year for five years.  The revenues are estimated at 1.2 million dollars in 2010 and 2011.

It's funding that would be dedicated to programs like 4H Youth Development, Master Gardeners and extension study groups.

Commissioners said the slight downside is the average home owners who owns $200,000 dollars in property will pay an extra ten bucks a year, assuming the home stays at that price.

If the commissioners want to put this on next year's ballot, they'd have to complete the work by mid-December.

The public will have a chance to weigh in at a hearing on Nov. 24.