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Board amends Extension MOU, reducing youth‑development staffing to 1.8 FTE after debate
Summary
After receiving supplemental staffing and participation data from University of Minnesota Extension, the board amended the current MOU to reduce one extension youth‑development position to 1.8 FTE. Extension leaders said 4‑H participation has grown and volunteers extend program reach; commissioners weighed budget strain against program benefits.
The board took an item off the table and heard from University of Minnesota Extension representatives Cecilia Amadou and Carrie Robidoux (Northwest 4‑H program leader) on 4‑H program trends and staffing needs. Carrie said the county’s 4‑H programming has grown over recent years — including community clubs, after‑school programs and site‑based partnerships — supported by a volunteer system that expands reach beyond what staff could do alone.
Commissioner Kravanoff moved to amend the MOU to set youth‑development staffing at 1.8 FTE (reduction from the previously discussed 2.0 FTE), citing county budget pressures. Commissioner Ebinger seconded and the board approved the amendment by roll call (motion carried with majority). Board members acknowledged the role of extension at the county fair and in after‑school programs; supporters said the staffing level preserves program continuity while reflecting fiscal realities.
Extension staff said they will work with the county extension committee to finalize the MOU addendum and coordinate hiring under the university’s schedule; a special hiring round will be requested to expedite recruitment.
Ending: The extension committee chair will sign the amended MOU and extension will post for the revised position under the university timetable.
