Board approves agreement to fund additional ag educator for 4‑H programming

The Osceola County Committee of the Whole approved a memorandum of agreement (MOA) that will let the county contribute additional support — roughly $3,000 more than last year’s direct funding — to bring a second agricultural educator into the county 4‑H program. Presenter (Speaker 5) described the position as about 0.57 full‑time equivalent and said partner institutes and state/federal dollars will be used to leverage the county contribution.

Jake (Speaker 4), the invited 4‑H presenter, reported program growth — roughly 365 youth enrolled — and reviewed recent events and pilot programs that prompted the request for additional personnel support. Board members asked about the current millage revenue, fund balance, and how indirect costs or facility rent factor into the request; staff committed to providing fund balance and millage‑revenue figures to the board.

Why it matters: the MOA funds front‑line program capacity for youth development and fills service gaps left after the state‑funded SNAP‑Ed program was sunset, an event staff said affected roughly 94 staff across the state. The county’s incremental contribution is relatively small but intended to maintain programming continuity and expand hands‑on offerings.

What’s next: staff will finalize the MOA with institute leadership and post the position and supporting materials on the county website as described in the report.