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Authorize the County’s contribution of $1,000 from the General Fund contribution allocated to District 5 to benefit the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Solano County
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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 $1,000 from the General Fund contribution allocated to District 5 to benefit the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Solano County.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The mission of CASA of Solano County is to speak for the best interests of abused and neglected children and youth in the foster care system by training volunteers to advocate for their safety and well-being through the courts, in schools, and in our community. Studies have shown that a child who has experienced abuse and neglect who has even one caring adult advocating for their best interests is more likely to succeed in school, more likely to find a permanent home, and less like to re-enter the foster care system. This donation will continue the good work of CASA of Solano County as they advocate for the best interests of children and youth, recruit a diverse community of volunteers, and provide comprehensive training and ongoing support to all their volunteers and staff.
Guidelines for Grant Funding Requests:
During the FY2024/25 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 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 expenditures for the $1,000 contribution are included in the Department’s FY2024/25 Working Budget. The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2024/25 Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to authorize this expenditure; 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