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Authorize the County's contribution of $3,000 from the General Fund contribution allocated to District 3 to benefit North Bay Stand Down, ($750), Solano Community Symphony ($750), Alpha Pregnancy Resource Center Fairfield ($750) and Armijo High School Band Boosters ($750)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
Supervisor Jim Spering requests that the Board of Supervisors authorize the County's contribution of $3000 from the General Fund allocated to District 3 to benefit North Bay Stand Down, ($750), Solano Community Symphony ($750), Alpha Pregnancy Resource Center Fairfield ($750) and Armijo High School Band Boosters ($750)
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Justification:
During the 2016/17 Budget Hearings, the Board appropriated $5,000 to allow District 3 to support community service programs. District 3 recommends the distribution of the funding as follows:
North Bay Stand Down ($750)
North Bay Operation Hand Up is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. It operates the North Bay Stand Down, a three-day encampment for homeless and/or at-risk veterans. The veterans are provided with medical, dental, vision, recovery, housing, employment and other social services as well as food, clothing, showers, haircuts and a safe place to “stand down” for three days and two nights while volunteers provide them with “A Hand Up”. Funding comes from federal, state, local and private grants and numerous donations from the community. The event has grown substantially since its inception in 2002. Some of the previously homeless veterans return annually as tent leaders to mentor those who are currently homeless. Each year, the organization successfully places a number of stand down attendees in transitional housing and rehabilitation programs. Numerous veterans receive the one or two services they need to put their lives back on track and move forward. This year’s North Bay Stand Down occurs on October 17 - 19, 2017 at the Dixon May Fair Grounds. Funding will be used towards operating costs of the event.
Solano Community Symphony ($750)
The Solano Community Symphony is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. The symphony is composed of professional and advanced amateur musicians and performs five programs of classical and pops music in Fairfield and Vacaville each year, including an annual Salute to Youth concert. The cost for each concert is an approximate $20,000 and is funded through ticket sales, grants, fundraisers and donations. Funding will be used towards general operating costs.
Alpha Pregnancy Resource Center Fairfield ($750)
Alpha Pregnancy Resource Centers is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. The center offers a safe place for clients to receive counseling and medical assistance to make informed decisions about a pregnancy.
Services include pregnancy testing, ultrasound confirmation of pregnancy, prenatal care up to delivery, Comprehensive Prenatal Services program, a Baby Boutique with supplies ranging from car seats to diapers, and parenting classes and workshop as well as a referral network.
Funding will be used towards operating cost at the Alpha Pregnancy Resource Center Fairfield.
Armijo High School Band Boosters ($750)
Armijo Band Boosters Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) entity charged with providing additional funds to promote the development and continuation of a robust band program at Armijo High School.
The Booster parents and supporters work to create the best possible program for the band students. They fund-raise through several projects a year to help finance the band's many programs. Booster chaperons haul equipment, feed the band, help with uniform alterations and many other tasks. Their overarching goal is to create an opportunity for success for every student interested in being a member of the Armijo High School Band, regardless of a family’s income, and to enable the students and the band director to skillfully create shows and dynamic performances with excellent music and to bring back top awards. Funding will be used towards general operating costs.
Guidelines for Grant Funding Requests:
During the 2016/17 Budget Hearings, the Board appropriated $25,000; $5,000 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:
This expenditure is included in the District 3 FY2015/16 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