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Authorize the County’s contribution of $6,500 from the General Fund contribution allocated to District 4 to benefit the following organizations, including the Solano County Farm Bureau ($4,000) and Friends of the Dixon May Fair ($2,500).
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
Supervisor Vasquez requests that the Board of Supervisors authorize the County’s contribution of $6,500 from the General Fund contribution allocated to District 4 to benefit the following organizations, including the Solano County Farm Bureau ($4,000) and Friends of the Dixon May Fair ($2,500).
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The groups identified by District 4 for its non-county contribution allocation are local non-profits or organizations that enrich Solano County either through educational programs or community support.
Solano County Farm Bureau ($4,000)
Since 1915, Solano County Farm Bureau has been a service-based organization dedicated to advocating for and protecting the future of agriculture in Solano County. They work to support our agricultural community through advocacy at the local, state, and national levels, while connecting farmers and ranchers to valuable resources and information.
Friends of The Dixon May Fair ($2,500)
The Friends of Dixon May Fair have established the Scholarship Program. Funds to support the Scholarship Program are generated from “Friends” volunteer activities in support of the Dixon May Fair. A total of eight scholarships will be available, including one at $3,000, one at $2,500, three at $2,000, one at $1,500, and two at $1,000 each.
Scholarship Categories
1a. Agricultural students currently in high school and planning to enter a four-year accredited college or university as an agricultural student.
1b. Agricultural students currently in high school and planning to attend an accredited community college as an agricultural student.
2a. Agricultural students who are currently enrolled in a four-year accredited college or university and have successfully completed 12 units of coursework.
2b. Agricultural students who are currently enrolled in an accredited community college and have successfully completed 12 units of coursework.
This program seeks to motivate well-rounded high academic achievers in pursuit of their careers and life goals in the areas of agriculture. Preference will be given to individuals with broad personal, civic and academic experience.
Guidelines for Grant Funding Requests:
During the 2024/25 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 judgment and discretion of the intended program.
5) To ensure accountability, all expenditures are subject to periodic audit 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 any and 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 FY2024/25 Working Budget. This expenditure is included in the District 4 FY2024/25 Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to authorize this expenditure; however, this is not recommended as this item 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