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Authorize the County’s contribution of $5,000 from the General Fund contribution allocated to District 5 to benefit the following organizations, including the Solano County Fair Association’s Youth Livestock Awards Program ($3,000) and the Friends of the Dixon May Fair Livestock & Exhibits Awards Program ($2,000)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
Supervisor Mashburn requests that the Board of Supervisors authorize the County’s contribution of $5,000 from the General Fund contribution allocated to District 5 to benefit the Solano County Fair Association’s youth livestock awards program ($3,000) and Friends of the Dixon May Fair Livestock & Exhibits Awards Program ($2,000).
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Solano County Fair Association (SCFA) - $3,000
Established in 1946, the Solano County Fair Association (SCFA) produces the annual Solano County Fair and manages the year-round operations of the Solano County Fairgrounds & Event Center. For more than 75 years, SCFA has enriched the community by providing educational, cultural, artistic, commercial, and recreational programs that serve residents throughout Solano County.
A cornerstone of the Fair is its Junior Livestock Program, which offers local youth invaluable hands-on learning experiences through months of dedicated care and training of their animals. The Fair serves as the culmination of that hard work, where participants proudly exhibit the livestock, they have raised. The Youth Awards Program, featuring coveted buckles, banners, and gilts, recognizes and celebrates the commitment, responsibility, and perseverance of these young exhibitors, as well as their connection to Solano County’s agricultural heritage.
This $3,000 donation will fund all youth livestock awards at the 2026 Solano County Fair, directly supporting the recognition and encouragement of our county’s agricultural youth.
Friends of the Dixon May Fair Livestock & Exhibits Award Program - $2,000
The Dixon May Fair delivers meaningful educational and community benefits while advancing its longstanding agricultural mission. Through youth exhibits, livestock projects, and educational displays, the Fair provides hands-on learning opportunities that foster leadership, responsibility, communication skills, and workforce readiness among participating youth.
Support for the Livestock & Exhibits Award Program strengthens agricultural education, preserves local farming traditions, and promotes meaningful engagement among youth and families. These programs enhance public understanding of food systems and animal stewardship while encouraging positive youth development through mentorship and community involvement.
This $2,000 donation will fund youth livestock buckle awards at the 2026 Dixon May Fair, helping to recognize excellence and dedication among participating youth.
Guidelines for Grant Funding Requests:
During the FY2025/26 Budget Hearings, the Board appropriated $75,000, $15,000 to each supervisorial district, to allow Board members to support community service programs. The Board directed County Counsel to provide guidelines on how to recommend funding for qualifying agencies or programs. The guidelines are as follows:
1) Each supervisor must submit the proposed expenditure to the County Counsel and the Auditor/Controller for initial review.
2) The Board must approve the expenditure by a majority vote.
3) The Board must determine that the expenditure is for a public purpose.
4) The Board may authorize an expenditure of public funds to a nonprofit organization so long as the County retains ultimate control over the exercise of judgement and discretion of the intended program.
5) To ensure accountability, all expenditures are subject to audits by the Auditor/Controller; and
a) If the recipient provides an activity, program or service (“activity”), it shall provide an activity report within 30 days of the activity that states the number of persons attending (if applicable) or participating activities carried out, feedback from participants (if applicable) and benefits of the activity. The recipient’s failure to provide a report may result in its being considered ineligible for future funding.
b) If the recipient is purchasing property or making improvements, it shall use the funds for only the specified purposes and allow representatives of the county to inspect and/or audit the purchase or the contractor’s performance, the facility or the portion improved with the funds and/or the records pertaining to the expenditures. The recipient shall retain for inspection and audit purposes all books, receipts, documentation, and other records of the expenditures for three (3) years from date of receiving funds.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
This total expenditure of $5,000 from District 5 is included in the FY2025/26 Working Budget. The cost associated with preparing the agenda item is nominal and absorbed by the Department's FY2025/26 Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to authorize these expenditures; however, this is not recommended as this is consistent with Board policy.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
This report was prepared in coordination with the County Administrator’s office, County Auditor/Controller’s office, and County Counsel.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION