Subject:
Title
Reaffirmation Letter to the Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences for salary and fringe benefit expenses.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the reaffirmation letter (Letter) to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) for salary and fringe according to the Exhibit A.
• The MOU provides the payment of 40 percent (40%) of the annual salary and pooled fringe benefits for one (1) director and six (6) extension agents
• The MOU provides the payment of 47 percent (47%) for one (1) extension agent
• The MOU work scope is to disseminate University information to the County’s
citizens and visitor relating to horticulture, family and consumer sciences, 4-H and youth, community and natural resource development, and marine advisory programs.
• The annual amount of $308,908.94 is consistent with the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Proposed Budget for County Extension services in the Parks and Conservation Resources Department (General Fund) and the Lealman Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA Trust Fund). This letter continues the agreement from FY24 into FY25. Should the FY25 budget not be adopted in this amount, a new reaffirmation letter will be approved.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
Summary:
The MOU will enable UF/IFAS to provide salary and fringe benefits to extension employees.
Background/Explanation:
On January 12, 2021, the County entered into a MOU with UF/IFAS which established responsibilities and relationships that exist between the Extension Service and the County which superseded the MOU in place from September 15, 2005. The payment of a percentage of the salary and pooled fringe benefits are part of the MOU.
Fiscal Impact:
Quarterly expenditure of $77,227.23 results in an annual expenditure of $308,908.94. These costs are funded annually in the County Extension’s operating budget. They are included in the FY25 Proposed Budget for the Parks and Conservation Resources Department (General Fund) and the Lealman Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA Trust Fund).
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this Letter is granted under (Code Section 2-62 (a)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Paul Cozzie, Director
Partners:
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
Attachments:
Pinellas Salary Affirmation Exhibit A 2024
MOU dated January 12, 2021
MOU dated September 12, 2005