Columbia County commissioners authorized the chair Aug. 18 to sign a memorandum of understanding with Washington State University Extension to participate in a regional agronomist arrangement.

Lisa from WSU Extension told the board the county will financially support a regionally based agronomist; the meeting included discussion of cost-share lines and a total amount previously budgeted in the portal. A motion to authorize the chair to sign the MOU carried on voice vote.

Why it matters: County officials characterized the agronomist as a regional resource that can provide in-person visits and programming for growers; commissioners said budget lines exist and that the county’s contribution would be consistent with prior years’ budgeted amounts.

Details and next steps: The MOU authorizes county participation and cost-sharing. Staff said they will finalize signature logistics and return the signed document to WSU Extension. The transcript included a discussion of how previously budgeted amounts align with the requested split between the agronomist and related extension director support.