DEPARTMENT: Public Health
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Ratification To Correct Contract Maximum For Agreement With University Of Minnesota For Local Extension Programming And Employing Extension Staff
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Ratify a corrected agreement maximum for the agreement with the University of Minnesota (U of M) for local Extension programming and employing Extension staff.
SUMMARY
On January 1, 2004, the U of M Extension deployed a new model for Extension programming. Extension Regional Offices were established throughout the state (one of those located in Farmington at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center) and local Extension offices were established in counties where customized local programs, services, and positions are funded with county dollars. This arrangement provided counties more choices in local Extension programming and increased accountability from Extension for its work. Since 2004, the Dakota County Extension Committee has recommended programming, and based on current community need, continues to recommend, that local programming be offered for the following areas: Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development and Horticulture/Master Gardener.
By Resolution No. 24-509 (October 29, 2024), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners authorized execution of the agreement with the University of Minnesota for local Extension programming and employing Extension staff in an amount not to exceed $1,433,350, effective January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027. The agreement was fully executed on November 19, 2024.
The agreement includes salary and fringe benefits for the local programming positions, all travel (mileage, meals, and lodging), in-service training and professional development, program supervision, and payroll and accounting services provided by the U of M. All program staff will continue to be U of M employees.
Upon implementing this agreement, Dakota County staff discovered that an additional $20,000 a year ($60,000 total) for Short-term Temporary Casual Program Staff was not included in the total agreement amount authorized by Resolution No. 24-509 (October 29, 2024). The total agreement amount should have been $1,493,350, which is $60,000 more than the County Board approved amount.
In order to correct the total, staff is recommending ratification of the correct total contract amount for the three-year agreement, effective January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027, for the following:
Extension Education/4-H Youth Development:
2025 $ 463,750
2026 $ 477,625
2027 $ 491,975
Total: $1,433,350
4-H Summer Intern:
2025 $ 20,000
2026 $ 20,000
2027 $ 20,000
Total: $ 60,000
For a combined total amount of $1,493,350 as summarized in more detail in Attachment: Agreement.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends ratification of the corrected total agreement amount with the U of M for local Extension programming, including: 4.0 FTE Educators, 4-H Youth Development, and 0.75 FTE Program Coordinator, Master Gardener Volunteer Program, as well as a 4-H Summer Intern in an amount not to exceed $1,493,350 for the period of January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
There is a $60,000 net County cost anticipated as a result of this action, which is included in the 2025 Budget.
☐ None ☐ Current budget ☒ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
WHEREAS, on January 1, 2004, the University of Minnesota (U of M) Extension deployed a new model for Extension programming; and
WHEREAS, Extension Regional Offices were established throughout the state (one of those located in Farmington at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center) and local Extension offices were established in counties where customized local programs, services, and positions are funded with county dollars; and
WHEREAS, this arrangement provided counties more choices in local Extension programming and increased accountability from Extension for its work; and
WHEREAS, since 2004, the Dakota County Extension Committee has recommended programming, and based on current community need, continues to recommend that local programming be offered for the following areas: Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development and Horticulture/Master Gardener; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 24-509 (October 29, 2024), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners authorized execution of the agreement with the University of Minnesota for local Extension programming and employing Extension staff in an amount not to exceed $1,433,350, effective January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027; and
WHEREAS, the agreement was fully executed on November 19, 2024, for an effective date of January 1, 2025; and
WHEREAS, upon implementing this agreement an error was found and the total agreement amount should have been $1,493,350 to also authorize the Short-term Temporary Casual Program Staff each year in an amount of $20,000 for a total additional amount of $60,000; and
WHEREAS, in order to correct the total, Staff is recommending ratification of the correct total amount for the three-year agreement, effective January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027, for the following:
Extension Education/4-H Youth Development:
2025 $ 463,750
2026 $ 477,625
2027 $ 491,975
Total: $1,433,350
4-H Summer Intern:
2025 $ 20,000
2026 $ 20,000
2027 $ 20,000
Total: $ 60,000
For a combined total amount of $1,493,350.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby ratifies the following corrected total amount in the January 1, 2025, agreement with the University of Minnesota for local Extension programming and employing Extension staff in a corrected amount not to exceed $1,493,350, effective January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2027.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
24-509; 10/29/24
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Agreement
BOARD GOALS
☒ A Great Place to Live ☐ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACTS
Department Head: Gilbert Acevedo
Author: Lori Tolzman