Subject:
Title
Update 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 of the update to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) for salary and fringe benefit expenses.
• The original MOU from 2005 has renewed every 5 years coupled with an annual reaffirmation letter. The updated MOU will supersede the 2005 version and eliminate the need for a separate reaffirmation letter each year.
• The MOU provides for UF/IFAS payment of 40 percent of the annual salary and pooled fringe benefits for one director and six extension agents.
• The MOU provides for UF/IFAS payment of 60 percent of the annual salary and pooled fringe benefits for one extension agent, with funding assistance through the Bushnell endowment.
• The balance of expenses is covered in the departmental budget for Fiscal Year 2021.
• The MOU work scope is to disseminate the UF/IFAS information and programs to the County’s citizens and visitors relating to horticulture, family and consumer sciences, 4-H and youth, community and natural resource development, sustainability, and marine advisory programs.
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:
Summary
The MOU will enable UF/IFAS to provide salary and fringe benefits to County Extension employees.
Body
Background Information:
On September 15, 2005, the County entered into an MOU with UF/IFAS which established responsibilities and relationships that exist between the Extension Service and the County. The attached version will supersede the 2005 version. The payment of a percentage of the salary and pooled fringe benefits are part of the MOU.
Fiscal Impact:
Quarterly expenditure of $94,059.60 resulting in an annual expenditure of $376,238.41. These costs are funded annually in the County Extension’s operating budget ($368,000.00). The remaining balance of $8,238.41 will be absorbed by the department’s existing budget.
Staff Member Responsible:
Paul Cozzie, Director, Parks and Conservation Resources
Jeffrey P. Gellermann, Director, County Extension
Partners:
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
Attachments:
UF/IFAS MOU dated September 12, 2005
Reaffirmation Letter dated October 9, 2019
Pinellas County MOU dated October 29, 2020