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Authorize the County's contribution of $2,500 from the General Fund contributions allocated to District 5 to benefit the following organizations, including the VFW Post 7244 ($1,000) and Sustainable Solano, Inc ($1,500)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No _X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
Supervisor Mashburn requests that the Board of Supervisors authorize the County's contribution of $2,500 from the General Fund contribution allocated to District 5 to benefit the following organizations including Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7244 ($1,000) and Sustainable Solano Inc. ($1,500)
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The groups identified by District 5 for its non-county contribution allocation are local non-profits or organizations that enrich Solano County either through educational programs or community support.
Sustainable Solano Inc. - $1,500
Dixon Youth Air Protectors Program operated by Sustainable Solano, Inc. contributes to the community by providing education and outreach focused on air quality issues, with an emphasis on pollution from mobile sources. The program empowers youth in Dixon to serve as air quality advocates, enhancing community engagement-particularly among residents who may not otherwise participate in environmental discussions.
Through the promotion of healthy transportation alternatives, including the strategic placement of bike racks determined by student-led assessments, and public presentations on clean transportation options, the initiative fosters long-term reductions in emissions. These activities not only raise awareness but also encourage practical adoption of sustainable practices.
Furthermore, the program provides opportunities for student participants to offer insights and recommendations that may inform future City initiatives aimed at mitigating pollution from mobile sources.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7244 - $1,000
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 7244 provides direct support to local veterans through organized outreach events that foster fellowship, promote skill development, and encourage community engagement. The Post also offers critical assistance to veterans facing financial or personal hardship, ensuring they receive the support and resources they need.
Furthermore, VFW Post 7244 demonstrates a strong commitment to education by awarding annual scholarships to deserving local high school students, supporting their pursuit of higher education and long-term success.
Guidelines for Grant Funding Requests:
During the 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)
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 expenditures totaling $2,500 in contributions from District 5 are included in the Department’s FY2025/26 Working Budget. The cost associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the Department's FY2025/26 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