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Authorize the County’s contribution of $1,500 from the General Fund contribution allocated to District 5 to benefit the Friends of the Dixon May Fair
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
Supervisor Mashburn requests that the Board authorize the County’s contribution of $1,500 from the General Fund contribution allocated to District 5 to benefit the Friends of the Dixon May Fair.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The group identified by District 5 for its non-county contribution allocation consists of local nonprofits and organizations that strengthen Solano County through educational initiatives and community support.
District 5 has identified the Friends of the Dixon May Fair to allocate $1,500 from the District’s General Fund contribution. This organization operates a scholarship program designed to support students pursuing higher education in agriculture. The program is funded through volunteer-driven efforts associated with the Dixon May Fair, reflecting a strong community commitment to investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Each year, the program awards eight scholarships in varying amounts, including one $3,000 award, one $2,500 award, three $2,000 awards, one $1,500 award, and two $1,000 awards. Eligible applicants include high school agricultural students planning to attend either a four-year accredited college or a community college, as well as current agricultural students enrolled in these institutions who have completed at least 12 units.
The scholarship program aims to encourage and support well-rounded, high-achieving students who are pursuing careers in agriculture. Consideration is given to individuals who demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership qualities, and a commitment to community involvement.
Guidelines for Grant Funding Requests:
During 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.
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:
The cost associated with preparing the agenda item is nominal and absorbed by the Department's FY2025/26 Working Budget. This expenditure is included in the District 5 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