University of Wyoming Extension updates Weston County commissioners; staff propose making admin position a university hire
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Summary
UW Extension educators presented program results — awards, robotics grants, 4‑H enrollment and Harvest Bucks — and proposed moving the extension office admin position to a university‑housed role (county funded); commissioners requested a compensation agreement and more detail before approving the change.
University of Wyoming Extension staff updated the Weston County Commission on Nov. 18 about recent program activity, upcoming events and staffing proposals and asked for guidance on transitioning the office administrative position to be a university‑hired (but county‑funded) employee.
Erin Persheek, introduced as an extension educator, summarized a busy year: several award‑winning publications and programs (state, regional and national awards), successful EPIC (Extension Professional Improvement Conference) participation, increased 4‑H enrollments with 29 completed enrollments and seven pending, and pilot projects such as Harvest Bucks used at local farmers markets. Erin introduced colleagues Dr. Matt Healy and Danelle Peck and noted that Vicky — a long‑time extension employee — plans to retire Dec. 23; an open house is scheduled Dec. 9.
Extension staff proposed transitioning the office administrative position to be hired through the university (University of Wyoming) while remaining county funded. Staff said the change would provide university HR support and standardized benefits while the county would continue to pay the budgeted salary and be asked to sign a compensation agreement. Commissioners raised concerns about salary parity, HR control for personnel matters, credit‑card use and how fringe benefits would be handled. One commissioner asked for the full compensation package and agreement before approving the change; extension staff agreed to return with a formal posting and compensation agreement for the board’s sign-off.
Next steps: extension staff will prepare a job posting, a compensation/benefits summary and sample policies from other counties and return to the commission at a future meeting to finalize the transition plan.