Subject:
Title
Memorandum of Understanding between Pinellas County and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences for salary and fringe.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the reaffirmation letter and update to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences for salary and fringe according to Exhibit A.
• The MOU is renewed every 5 years.
• The reaffirmation letter is approved annually and details the cost to the County for each Extension Service position.
• The MOU provides for County payment of 40 percent of the annual salary and pooled fringe benefits for one director and four extension agents, 47 percent of salary and pooled fringe benefits for one resources management agent, and five percent of one University of Florida support position.
• The MOU work scope is to disseminate University information to the County’s citizens and visitors relating to agriculture, 4-H and youth, community, natural resource development, and marine advisory programs.
• Funding for this MOU is included in the Fiscal Year 2026 Adopted Budget for the Parks and Conservation Resources Department within the General Fund. This MOU contains a fiscal non-funding clause, providing for termination should this portion of the budget not be approved.
Body
Strategic Priorities:
Resilient Infrastructure and Environment
1.3 Increase access to green space
1.4 Improve environmental quality
1.5 Strengthen resilience and adaptation
1.6 Ensure sustainable water management
Healthy and Safe Communities
2.1 Improve public health
Prosperity and Opportunity
3.1 Increase the availability of attainable housing
3.3 Increase workforce opportunities
3.4 Enhance educational and cultural opportunities
Summary:
Summary
The MOU will enable UF/IFAS to provide salary and fringe benefits to extension employees.
Body
Background Information:
On January 12, 2021, Pinellas County updated the existing MOU with UF/IFAS which establishes responsibilities and the relationship between UF/IFAS and the County. The attached version will supersede the 2021 version. The payment of a percentage of the salary and pooled fringe benefits are part of the MOU.
Fiscal Impact:
UF/IFAS invoices the County quarterly for its share of staff expenditures, estimated at $74,496.61. These costs are funded annually in the Pinellas County Extension Services operating budget. The County’s estimated total cost of $297,986.45 is included in the FY26 Adopted Budget for the Parks and Conservation Resources Department within the General Fund.
Staff Member Responsible:
Paul Cozzie, Director, Parks and Conservation Resources
Jeffrey Gellermann, UF/IFAS Extension Director Pinellas County, Parks and Conservation Resources
Partners:
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
Attachments:
Pinellas County Grant Contract FY26
Pinellas County Grant Contract FY20
Salary Reaffirmation Letter-Fully Executed
Pinellas County FY26 9-16-25 Exhibit A
OMB Review 25-1698A_MOU with UF-IFAS