TO: Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
FROM: Kylie Yanchula, Natural Resources Director
DATE: December 22, 2025
SUBJECT: UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Agent Recommendation for Hire and Future Staff Approvals
__________________________________________________________________
BACKGROUND
Florida Statute Section 1004.37 establishes county or area extension programs as a cooperative effort between counties and the Florida Cooperative Extension Service (Extension), administered through the University of Florida (UF). This statute provides the regulatory framework for collaboration between counties and Extension. Under this framework, county extension agents are jointly employed by state universities and federal and county governments for the purposes of administration of the extension service, with personnel policies and procedures of the University of Florida applying except in those instances when federal legislation or the basic Memorandum of Understanding is applicable.
In Indian River County, the Extension Office operates under the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS). The office currently includes three extension faculty positions-Director, Extension Agent (4-H), and Extension Agent (Horticulture)-supported by a County Staff Assistant II. The relationship between the County and Extension is further defined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) adopted by the Board on October 19, 2004, titled “Memorandum of Understanding between Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida and The Board of County Commissioners of Indian River County, Florida.” Both the statute and the MOU require that the Board approve or disapprove individuals recommended for extension positions within the County.
In October 2025, UF/IFAS initiated recruitment for the vacant Extension Agent (4-H) position. UF/IFAS has completed the interview process and recommends the appointment of Sheri Trent for Board consideration, consistent with FS 1004.37 and the current MOU.
ANALYSIS
FS 1004.37 and the 2004 MOU outline the hiring process for extension faculty: UF/IFAS leads recruitment and interviews, then submits a candidate recommendation to the Board. This recommendation aligns with both FS 1004.37 and the MOU.
Additionally, Florida Statute 125.74(k) as well as Indian River County Code of Ordinances (Ordinance), Section 101.05 establishes the powers and duties of the County Administrator which includes the authorization to select, employ, and supervise all personnel and fill all vacancies or positions under his jurisdiction. UF/IFAS Extension Faculty are jointly employed by the County and UF, and require County approval for hire. Staff recommends that future appointments of UF/IFAS Extension Faculty be authorized by the County Administrator or designee consistent with both Florida Statute 125.74(k) as well as Ordinance Section 101.05.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
Per the MOU, the County funds up to 40% of UF/IFAS Extension Faculty salaries unless otherwise agreed in writing. UF/IFAS determines the total starting base salary for each faculty member. The 40% cost-share for the Extension Agent (4-H) position has been approved and budgeted in the FY 2025-2026 operating budget (Account 00121237).
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTIONS
October 19, 2004 - Approval of the "Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida and The Board of County Commissioners of Indian River County, Florida"
OTHER PLAN ALIGNMENT
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida and The Board of County Commissioners of Indian River County, Florida
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the Board approve the appointment of Sheri Trent as Extension Agent (4-H), as recommended by UF/IFAS. Staff also recommends that the Board authorize future appointments of UF/IFAS Extension Faculty, by the County Administrator or his or her designee.