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Accept a grant award of $191,934 from the Office of Traffic Safety for the period October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 to support the Solano Car Seat Connection program; and Approve a $143,951 Appropriation Transfer Request to recognize the unanticipated revenue (4/5 vote required)
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Published Notice Required? Yes _____ No __X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes _____ No __X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services (H&SS) recommends that the Board of Supervisors accept a grant award of $191,934 from the Office of Traffic Safety for the period October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 to support the Solano Car Seat Connection program; and approve a $143,951 Appropriation Transfer Request to recognize the unanticipated revenue (4/5 vote required).
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Department of Health and Social Services, Public Health Division, Health Promotion and Community Wellness Bureau/VibeSolano, established the Solano Car Seat Connection program in 1996 in accordance with Senate Bill (SB) 1073, which allocates a portion of the fines collected from child safety seat violations. This provides a popular and acclaimed low-cost car seat program for lower-income Solano County residents. Qualifying families are eligible for low-cost car safety seats for infants and children through the age of eight years. Classes are also provided on the proper installation and utilization of car seats and are scheduled in English and Spanish and offered virtually and in-person throughout Solano County.
Through a competitive grant application process, Solano County received a notification on June 9, 2025, that it would receive an award allocation of $191,934 from the Office of Traffic Safety for the period of October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. The grant funds will be used to teach car seat safety classes in-person or virtually as needed and provide virtual or in-person inspections. The funds will assist with delivering services and will provide at least 125 low-cost car safety seats.
Solano Car Seat Connection aims to educate families with knowledge of car seat safety practices and proper car seat installation and use. Through education efforts and access to new low-cost car seats, the program assists Solano County residents, including parents, caregivers, and family members who transport children in their vehicles.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The Office of Traffic Safety has awarded Solano County $191,934 to Solano County for the Solano Car Seat Connection program. The grant period is from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. The Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) recognizes $143,951 in unanticipated revenue (75% of the grant award) for FY2025/26 and reduces the use of 1991 Public Health Realignment. The remaining grant amount of $47,983 will be part of the department’s FY2026/27 Requested Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to approve this Appropriation Transfer Request. This is not recommended as these funds represent an opportunity to provide protection for infants and children in a motor vehicle accident and to teach parents and caregivers on the importance of child car seat safety.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
H&SS collaborates with the Office of Traffic Safety to develop the program work plan and partners with various community agencies to implement, including First 5 Solano, childcare providers, local hospitals, and fire and police departments.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION