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Waseca County hears proposal to fund 1.5 FTE Extension educators; first‑year cost estimated at $159,025
Summary
University of Minnesota Extension presented 2024 program results and a proposed 2025–2027 memorandum of agreement that would add 1.5 FTE educators and summer temp support. Staff estimated an all‑in cost of $159,025 in 2025 with 3% annual increases; commissioners pressed on salary drivers, county reliance on a state contract, and shared staffing options.
Amy, an educator with the University of Minnesota Extension, told the Waseca County Board that county 4‑H reached 796 participants in 2024, with 289 youth formally enrolled and 59 new members that year. She highlighted volunteer support (64 adult volunteers), high retention among community club members and leadership outcomes for youth.
Building on that report, staff asked the board to consider a three‑year memorandum of agreement (2025–2027) to fund an additional 0.5 FTE (bringing the county total to 1.5 FTE) plus an expanded summer “temp casual” role (400 hours). County staff presented the all‑in cost for 2025 as $159,025, with projected increases to $163,800 in 2026 and $168,730 in 2027 (3% escalators). The package, staff said, includes salaries, fringe, travel and training and is intended to be a complete budget so the county will not be asked for addenda during the three‑year window.
Commissioners asked detailed budget questions. One commissioner noted the county’s 2024 investment of about $86,300 for a 1.1 FTE structure and asked what drives the 2025 increase. Amy and staff explained the larger base salary ($63,500 for a new educator in 2025), increasing fringe/insurance costs and the added half‑time educator as the primary drivers. Commissioners also pressed whether the half‑time role could be hired by the county rather than provided through the University of Minnesota; staff said federal and university program rules require educators to be university employees and therefore the positions must remain part of the UMN Extension contract.
Board members discussed shared‑position options across neighboring counties and using a half‑time educator who splits time between counties. Staff said some positions are already shared regionally and indicated they would look for candidates who could split duties across counties. No final vote on the proposed MOA occurred at the meeting; staff said they would provide supplemental cost breakdowns, revenue and funding‑source detail for follow‑up consideration.
Ending: County staff will return with additional budget detail and an implementation plan, including options for shared staffing and the proposed contract language, ahead of a future board action.
