Title
Department of Agriculture recommending the Board approve and authorize the Agricultural Commissioner to sign amended Attachment C for the University of California Cooperative Extension increasing the annual amount by $12,677 for a new amount of $329,542 for Fiscal Year 2024-25.
FUNDING: General Fund.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The University of California Cooperative Extension provides programs to foothill Counties, which brings researchers and educators into rural areas to help bring the results of agricultural research to the end users to address local agricultural, environmental and health issues. This partnership comprises The Regent of the University of California, the counties of Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado and Tuolumne and is established by the interlocal agreement. Programs include services such as 4-H Youth Development Staff, Master Gardener Staff, Natural Resources Advisors, Specialty Crops Advisor and the Forestry Advisor program.
El Dorado County is a member of the Multi-County Partnership and the University of California Cooperative Extension Advisory Council, with Supervisor Lori Parlin and the Agricultural Commissioner LeeAnne Mila representing our County. The programs are determined by representatives from each of the partner organizations through the Advisory Council. On April 4, 2024, the Advisory Council met to discuss the needs of UCCE, and following the UCCE, a 4% increase was approved to address rising salary and benefit costs.
On June 29, 2021, Legistar 21-0913, the Board approved a new agreement for the term of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2026 with an annual amount of $275,535. Pursuant to Section III.A.9.h of the agreement, it allows for future incremental costs increases associated with the program, including personnel costs that escalate over time.
On December 12, 2023, Legistar 23-2145, the Board approved an increase of $41,330 for FY 2023-24 for a new annual amount of $316,865.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose ...
Click here for full text