Amend the Memorandum of Understanding with the Cooperative Agricultural Support Services Authority in the amount of $10,000, for a total of $160,000, to fill temporary/seasonal positions in plant pest detection, trapping, quarantine, eradication and/or other services as determined and under the direction of the Agricultural Commissioner for 2018-19. (No general fund impact) (Young)

On July 11, 2006, the Board approved and signed Agreement No. 06-193 establishing the CASS Joint Powers Agency in order to pool resources within the state to meet the need for quality seasonal employees. The Agriculture Department has successfully hired CASS seasonal employees for the past seven seasons. This agreement allows the Agriculture Department to continue to use CASS employees for seasonal work through the 2018-19 fiscal year. On September 11, 2018, the Board approved agreement 18-190 for CASS services in the amount of $150,000.  The amendment would provide additional funds to help cover CASS employees through the June 30, 2019.

This agreement is with CASS, a Joint Powers Agency and independent contractor. Historically, the Agriculture Department consulted with County Counsel and the Division of Financial Services regarding this Memorandum of Understanding.

Funding for CASS seasonal workers is included in the Agriculture Department's 2018-19 budget. The amendment of $10,000 will be offset by revenue from California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) contracts and unclaimed gas tax reimbursements from CDFA.