Item:
Title
Approve Interlocal Agreement with Orange County to provide livestock agent services in Durham County through Cooperative Extension for up to $7,000 in FY 24 and $17,000 in subsequent fiscal years.
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: March 11, 2024
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to approve the interlocal agreement with Orange County to provide livestock agent services in Durham County through Cooperative Extension for up to $7,000 in FY 24 and $17,000 in subsequent fiscal years. Durham County does not have a dedicated livestock agent and has been exploring avenues to provide additional educational livestock services to Durham County farmers along with youth livestock activities and education through the 4-H Youth Development Program. There is a demonstrated need for Durham County livestock farmers and an increasing number of livestock in Durham County.
Durham County Cooperative Extension has heard from local farmers and acknowledges the demand for dedicated livestock service provision in Durham County. Durham and Orange County Cooperative Extension have a past history of sharing a livestock agent. Currently, Durham and Orange County Cooperative Extension have a mutual interest in working together around shared livestock services to the mutual benefit of both of our Counties. The livestock producers in both counties are part of the Orange-Durham Cattlemen’s Association and our offices frequently partner together on a number of agriculture initiatives from the new joint Mobile Poultry Processing Program to Farm School to 4-H youth livestock shows. Cooperative Extension in Durham and Orange Counties have a mutual long-term commitment to this work and plan a long-term arrangement for Orange County to provide the services to Durham County.
The County Extension Directors in each County will be responsible for coordination and implementation of the work described within this agreement. The agreement uses existing Cooperative Extension County funds, totaling up to $7,000 in the current fiscal year and $17,000 in subsequent fiscal years, designated for this purpose for providing educational livestock services for adults and youth in Durham County.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: This agreement aligns with multiple goals in the strategic plan.
Resource Persons: Donna Rewalt, Cooperative Extension Director; Tammie Hall, Assistant County Manager
County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board approve the interlocal agreement with Orange County to provide livestock agent services in Durham County through Cooperative Extension for up to $7,000 in FY 24 and $17,000 in subsequent fiscal years.
Signature
County Manager: ____________________________