Commissioners approve one‑year UW Extension MOU amid staffing gaps; county asks for clearer part‑time compensation terms

The board approved a one‑year renewal of the University of Wyoming Extension memorandum of understanding on June 16 while the county and UW work through staffing concerns.

UW Extension associate director Matt Healey told commissioners the longer MOU in the packet covers 2026–2030, but UW will provide a one‑year renewal at the commissioners’ request (to run July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027) so staffing and program delivery can be reassessed annually. Healey said UW pays salary and benefits for some positions (for example the community vitality and health position), but part‑time horticulture positions are non‑benefited and UW typically does not provide full compensation agreements for such variable‑hour roles. He offered to provide a capped compensation agreement for horticulture work to clarify county obligations.

Commissioners urged clearer, timely communication because vacancies (including a 4‑H educator) affect county events—particularly the county fair—and asked UW staff to coordinate with events staff to ensure coverage. Healey said interviews for the 4‑H educator were scheduled and a community vitality hire would start July 30.

The board voted to approve the MOU for one year and continue working with UW to finalize compensation language for non‑benefited positions and to confirm staffing for the fair and other time‑sensitive activities.