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Polk County hears Extension director explain MOA increases, asks board to maintain funding level
Summary
Regional Extension director Lisa Logering told commissioners the three-year MOA used by all 87 counties is increasing in 2025 to reflect recruitment and retention needs; Polk County is asked to keep current MOA support levels to preserve 4‑H and ANR staffing.
Lisa Logering, regional director of Extension, briefed the Polk County Board on the three-year memorandum of agreement (MOA) used by counties to fund university Extension positions and local support.
Logering said the MOA is standardized across Minnesota’s 87 counties but counties choose service levels from a menu of FTE options. She summarized the 2025 package the MOA negotiating committee recommended: a $100,000 allocation for a local educator (4‑H or Agriculture & Natural Resources), $75,000 for full-time administrative support, and an annual built-in 3% increase in 2026 and 2027 for those contributions. She told the board Polk County’s current MOA consists of 1.0 FTE youth development (4‑H), 0.6 FTE educator and 0.5 FTE support staff.
Why it matters: county contributions to the MOA fund staff who run 4‑H, agricultural outreach and other extension services used by residents, schools and community groups. Logering said the increases are driven by recruiting and retention pressures, and by rising costs for benefits and travel.
Direct quote: Logering summarized the ask plainly: “I’m just asking for your support to keep our MOA at the same level as what it currently is.” (SEG 1341–1344)
Next steps: Logering said the MOA item is scheduled on the board agenda for Thursday; she will present further materials and expects counties to vote on local participation levels as part of the regular committee process.
