HomeMy WebLinkAbout102317_cabs01JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S BRIEFING AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Philip Morley, County Administrator, -
DATE: October 23, 2017
RE: UPDATE re: Jefferson County Extension Director Transition PlanninIZ
STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Jefferson County Extension Director Laura Lewis has accepted a new
statewide position in Washington State University's (WSU's) food systems program, and will be leaving
her position with Jefferson County Extension. Jim Kropf, WSU's Director of County Extension Office
Administration, will brief the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) about WSU's proposed transition
plan to provide oversight of Jefferson County Extension until a permanent plan for performing the
Director responsibilities in Jefferson County can be put in place by WSU in cooperation with the County.
Mr. Kropf will be introducing WSU faculty who will be providing support to Jefferson County Extension
during this period of transition.
ANALYSIS: Laura Lewis has been Jefferson County's Extension Director since 2011. Dr. Lewis has
accepted a new statewide position in Washington State University's (WSU's) food systems program.
Once the new appointment is formalized by WSU, Dr. Lewis plans to vacate her Jefferson County
Extension position shortly thereafter. Jim Kropf, Director of County Extension Office Administration
met with the BoCC on October 16 to discuss plans to replace Dr. Lewis and fill the Jefferson County
Extension Director position. On October 23, Mr. Kropf will further brief the Commissioners about
WSU's proposed transition plan to provide shared oversight of Jefferson County Extension using staff
from neighboring counties until a permanent plan for performing the Director responsibilities can be put
in place by WSU in cooperation with Jefferson County. A key issue still in play is whether the transition
plan proposed by WSU will be a temporary measure, or a long-term position and budget reduction
measure by WSU.
Mr. Kropf will be joined by Laura Lewis in introducing WSU faculty and describing their proposed roles
to provide interim support to Jefferson County Extension during the transition, including Clallam County
Extension Director Clea Rome, Kitsap County Extension Community and Economic Development
Specialist Laura Ryser, and Regional Water Resources Specialist Bob Simmons. This briefing will also
provide an opportunity for the Commissioners and County staff to ask questions.
FISCAL IMPACT: None from the briefing. In 2017, Jefferson County budgeted approximately
$213,000 of County General Fund dollars to support Extension. This is in partnership and reciprocity
with WSU's own financial support for our Extension faculty. Extension has requested a similar General
Fund allocation for 2018.
RECOMMENDATION: Hear the briefing and ask clarifying questions as appropriate.
REV Y:
- rip Morley, Minty Administrator Date