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Spokane County staff seek approval of formal MOA with Inland Empire Beekeepers
Summary
WSU Extension asked commissioners to approve a memorandum of agreement formalizing a long-standing partnership with the Inland Empire Beekeepers Association; a resolution is expected on the regular meeting agenda next week.
Spokane County staff asked the Board of County Commissioners on Jan. 7 to approve a memorandum of agreement between Spokane County, Washington State University Extension and the Inland Empire Beekeepers Association (IEBA).
The request came from a WSU Extension representative, who said the IEBA has worked with the county office since about 1980 and that Extension has provided in‑office registration, technical support and assistance with materials and advertising. “The IEBA is not a WSU Extension program, but rather is a community partner of Spokane County and WSU Extension,” the extension representative said.
The extension representative told commissioners the group runs an apprentice program (127 enrollees last year) followed by a free journeyman program, and that members include backyard hobbyists, weekend farmers and commercial producers working in Spokane County. Staff said the MOA formalizes a relationship that has been informal for decades.
The contract has been signed by WSU; IEBA is prepared to sign pending the board’s approval and a county resolution to be placed on next week’s regular meeting consent agenda. Staff said the county’s legal office will prepare the resolution wording for that meeting.
No formal motion or vote was recorded during the Jan. 7 briefing; staff sought the board’s approval to place the item on the next regular meeting agenda for final action.
If approved, the MOA would document roles that, to date, have included WSU Extension providing meeting registration space, limited technical assistance and outreach help, while IEBA continues independent programming. Staff said the agreement will preserve the long-standing cooperative activities between the county and the beekeeper group.
