Board agrees to fund 0.5 FTE toward quad-county extension educator arrangement

Morrison County commissioners voted to contribute 0.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) toward a revised quad-county University of Minnesota Extension staffing arrangement after county staff reported one full-time position was recently vacated and the four-county group is considering reducing to three educators.

County administrator updated commissioners on negotiations among the four counties: Stearns County would contribute about 1.55 FTE under the proposed arrangement, Benton and Morrison would each contribute roughly 0.5 FTE and Sherburn’s share would be reduced (discussed as about 0.45 in the transcript). Administrator briefing noted Stearns historically paid a little more than half of the arrangement and that the three-educator structure would maintain Stearns’ larger share.

Commissioners discussed the allocation, noted the plan would generate some near-term savings and agreed to a motion—moved by Commissioner Lamir and seconded by Commissioner Casper—to fund 0.5 FTE for Morrison County. The vote was unanimous. Commissioners also agreed to review the arrangement in approximately six months and prior to the next multi-year contract decision.

Next steps: the administrator will communicate the county’s commitment and participate in continuing negotiations with the partner counties and U of M Extension.