Approve Community Benefit Grant proposals to support Capay Valley Fire Protection District (FPD) backyard patio area renovation and $3,500 each to the Esparto Fire Protection District and the Yolo Fire Protection District for activities related to pursuing a Proposition 218 initiative; and delegate authority to staff to complete the necessary agreements with the Capay Valley Fire Protection District, Esparto Fire Protection District, and Yolo Fire Protection District. (No general fund impact) (Brazil/Espitia)

On July 25, 2023, the Board of Supervisors set aside $500,000 for the Community Benefit Equal Allocation Plan. The Plan equally allocated a portion of that funding to each of the five supervisorial districts, allowing each Supervisor to provide grants to local Community-Based Organizations (CBO) operating within their districts. The Board approved the plan at that meeting, further augmenting the funding to $750,000. On June 4, 2024, the Board approved an additional $25,000 per supervisorial district and increased the total amount to $875,000. 

A brief description of the funding proposal follows: 

Capay Valley Fire Department
This Community Benefit Grant would provide $5,000 from District 5 to the Capay Valley Fire Protection District (CVFPD). Located in the northwest corner of Yolo County, CVFPD was established on January 18, 1927, under General Law Statutes 123, Chapter 191. Serving a largely rural area, the District was reorganized in 1966 under California Health and Safety Code Section 13812.5 et seq., also known as the Fire Protection District Law. Governed by a five-member appointed policy board, the District provides essential fire protection and Basic Life Support (BLS) emergency medical services (EMS) across its 172-square-mile service area, operated by a dedicated team of 17 volunteer firefighters working from three stations.

In an effort to enhance community engagement and provide a more comfortable space for volunteers and local residents, the District is seeking funds to renovate its backyard patio area. This space is a central gathering point for the Capay Valley community, hosting important events such as the annual 4th of July celebration and the renowned Almond Festival. The renovations will include the installation of a shade structure to provide relief during the hot summer months, making the space more functional for year-round use.

The funds will allow CVFPD to not only improve the quality of life for its volunteer firefighters but also continue serving as a hub for community activities. These upgrades will support the District’s mission of fostering community cohesion while providing critical emergency services in the Capay Valley. CVFPD is grateful for Yolo County's ongoing support and appreciates your consideration in helping to create a more welcoming and functional space for both its volunteers and the Capay Valley community.

Esparto Fire Protection District and the Yolo Fire Protection District
This Community Benefit Grant would provide $3,500 each to the Esparto Fire Protection District and the Yolo Fire Protection District for activities related to pursuing a Proposition 218 initiative. The provided funds will be used exclusively to support public outreach in the community including the publication and distribution of educational materials describing the service and operational needs of the districts and how funds generated by a ballot initiative would help address those needs.   

Recommended Action
Staff are requesting authority to complete and sign the agreements with the named organizations in the amounts described above. Agreements will utilize the language shown in Att. A. Agreement Template.

Grant recipients are selected by the Supervisor's Districts and reviewed by the County Administrator's Office. 

The respective Supervisors' District staff review potential beneficiaries of the available funding, and the Supervisor selects beneficiaries and funding amounts. District Staff then begin preparation of the agreements. The County Administrator's Office reviews the spending proposals and verifies that the proposed beneficiary meets any necessary requirements under federal and state laws. The proposal is then brought to the Board for delegation of authority to complete funding disbursement.