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Authorize the County’s contribution of $3,000 from the General Fund contribution allocated to District 2 to benefit the following organizations: Museum of History Benicia ($1,000), Benicia Community Foundation ($500), and Benicia Community Action Council ($1,500)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
Supervisor Lopez requests that the Board of Supervisors authorize the County’s contribution of $3,000 from the General Fund contribution allocated to District 2 to benefit the following organizations: Museum of History Benicia ($1,000), Benicia Community Foundation ($500), and Benicia Community Action Council ($1,500).
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The groups identified by District 2 for its non-county contribution allocation are local non-profits or organizations that enrich Solano County either through educational programs or community support.
Museum of History Benicia ($1,000)
The mission of Museum of History Benicia is to engage the community in the history of Benicia, and the contributions to the state and country. The Museum features exhibits, online archives, and participates in educational outreach, events and activities.
Benicia Community Foundation ($500)
The Benicia Community Foundation is dedicated to positively improving the lives of residents while supporting the community through beautification, community engagement and economic growth.
Benicia Community Action Council ($1,500)
Benicia Community Action Council is a non-profit dedicated to reducing poverty, foster community capacity and advocate for those in the community struggling to meet their basic needs.
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 2 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