COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Environmental Services Agency

 

DATE:

October 1, 2003

BOARD MEETING DATE:

October 21, 2003

 

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Marcia Raines, Environmental Services Agency Director

SUBJECT:

Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of California Cooperative Extension

 

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution authorizing the President of the Board to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Regents of the University of California for the support of Cooperative Extension services in San Mateo County.

 

Background

Through a partnership between the federal, state, and county government, the Cooperative Extension provides research and educational programs in the areas of Agriculture, 4-H Youth Development, Nutrition Education, Marine Science and Landscape Horticulture/Urban Forestry.

In 1944 the County entered into an MOU with the Cooperative Extension for County support of Cooperative Extension educational programs. Due to requested budget reductions, the Environmental Services Agency recommended elimination of financial support to this program in FY 2003-04. At the Recommended Budget Hearing, the Board of Supervisors restored three months of funding at FY 2002-03 levels and directed the County Manager to initiate negotiations with the University to update the MOU. At the Final Budget Hearing, funding was appropriated to the Cooperative Extension for the rest of the fiscal year at a 20% reduction from FY 2002-03 levels. This funding was made contingent on the acceptance of a signed MOU from the University by October 1, 2003.

 

Discussion

A MOU was negotiated by County and University staff, and University signatures were obtained by October 1, 2003. The following are highlights of the MOU:

    · The University shall conduct an appropriate educational and applied research program in mutually agreed upon areas.

    · The University shall employ academic personnel and the County shall employ clerical staff.

    · The University shall provide to the County an annual report on programs and accomplishments and budgetary expenditures.

    · The County shall fund clerical support and maintenance and operation expenses including facility rental, supplies and transportation expenses.

    · County and University representatives shall meet quarterly to coordinate services to ensure Cooperative Extension services do not duplicate funded County services and to review the Cooperative Extension's progress on the performance measures which are part of the County's budget process.

    · Termination notice may be given by either party on or before six months before the termination of any fiscal year.

The MOU ensures the continuance of support to Cooperative Extension youth education programs such as 4-H Youth Development, Elkus Ranch Programs, and other youth education efforts.

The MOU which was signed by the University did not include some of the items requested by County staff, such as:

    · A transition to a more contractual type of agreement. Ideally, the County would like to make a funding contribution to the University and have the University employ their own clerical staff and otherwise manage the funding as needed in exchange for the provision of services. This arrangement was not acceptable to the University.

    · The County's standard non-discrimination and equal benefits language. The MOU does include some non-discrimination language but lacks the County's enforcement language. A waiver of the equal benefits and non-discrimination language is included in this packet.

    · Fee increases. County staff suggested shifting some of the cost burden for programs to users through fee increases, specifically in the 4-H program. The University has been examining this issue on a state-wide basis and will report back on the possibility of raising fees in the near future.

The MOU has been reviewed by County Counsel. County Counsel's review of the MOU resulted in a need to identify a cap on County financial support. Following Board approval of the MOU, staff will work with County Counsel to see that a letter limiting County financial support to the yearly appropriation made by the Board during the budget process is sent to University officials.

 

Vision Alignment

The MOU for support of the Cooperative Extension keeps the commitment of providing equal access to educational opportunity and goal number four: residents have many educational and training opportunities beyond high school. The recommendation contributes to this commitment and goal by supporting educational programs for both children and adults in the areas of Agriculture, 4-H Youth Development, Nutrition Education, Marine Science and Landscape Horticulture/Urban Forestry.

 

Fiscal Impact

At Final Budget Hearings, funding was appropriated to the Cooperative Extension for the rest of the fiscal year at a 20% reduction from FY 2002-03 levels. UC Cooperative Extension's total requirements for FY 2003-04 are $147,100. This funding is to be repaid to the General Fund from fee increase savings from Environmental Services Agency divisions at the end of the fiscal year. There is no Net County Cost impact associated with entering into the MOU, as funding has already been appropriated for this fiscal year.