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. |