Don’t close geology office

Mining precious metals hasn’t been a big business in Baker County for more than half a century.

But that’s no reason for the state geology department to close its office in Baker City.

We understand that the state government is short on money.

As much as $4.4 billion short for the two-year period that starts July 1, in fact.

The department gets just $3.5 million per year from the state’s general fund. That’s less than one-tenth of 1 percent of the shortfall.

The salaries for the two geologists who work at the Baker City office are worth more to the local economy than the closing of the office are to the state’s financial dilemma.

State officials should at least take up the county on its offer of supplying rent-free office space for the geologists.