TO: City Council DATE: June 23, 2025 DEPARTMENT: Administration
PREPARED BY: Isaac Whippy, City Manager
PRESENTER: Isaac Whippy, City Manager
AGENDA TITLE: Request for Council Direction on One-Time Funding Support for the Food Bank and Senior Center Due to Federal Funding Cuts
RECOMMENDATION
Receive the report and provide direction to staff on whether to allocate one-time appropriations from the projected FY 2024–25 General Fund surplus to support the Fort Bragg Food Bank and the Fort Bragg Senior Center, both of which have experienced recent federal funding reductions.
BACKGROUND
The Fort Bragg Food Bank and the Fort Bragg Senior Center (operated by the Mendocino Coast Hospitality Center) provide essential services to some of the most vulnerable members of our community. In Fort Bragg, more than 50% of the population qualifies as low-income, making food security and access to senior services a critical public concern. These two nonprofit organizations play a central role in meeting basic needs, ensuring that residents have consistent access to nutritious food, transportation, social engagement, and wellness support.
The Food Bank distributes food to thousands of residents each year and serves as a critical resource during emergencies and economic downturns. The Senior Center provides not only daily meals but also programming that supports independence, social connection, and overall well-being for older adults. Both organizations are pillars of the local safety net, and their continued operation helps prevent hunger, isolation, and long-term public health impacts.
Due to recent federal funding reductions, both organizations have formally requested support from the City to bridge the funding gap and avoid service disruptions during their May 12, 2025, presentations to the City Council.
The City of Fort Bragg has previously demonstrated support for community-based services through budget allocations. The current operating budget includes a $50,000 annual allocation to the Humane Society, and Measure AA/AB funds have supported the Noyo Center for Marine Science and youth-focused special projects, including school playing field improvements.
DISCUSSION
The City is projected to record an estimated $350,000 General Fund surplus at the close of the current fiscal year (FY 2024–25). This surplus is primarily due to salary savings from multiple temporarily vacant staff positions across departments. These are one-time savings and do not represent ongoing revenue.
Given the temporary nature of these funds, any support provided to the Food Bank and Senior Center would need to be a one-time appropriation within the current fiscal year budget. If the Council chooses to allocate funding, staff can return with a budget amendment and draft agreements outlining accountability, eligible use of funds, and reporting requirements for each recipient.
FISCAL IMPACT
The projected $350,000 surplus in the FY 2024–25 General Fund is available for one-time use. Funding any or all of the requests would reduce the year-end surplus and could impact reserves if additional budget needs arise. The funds could be paid out of the Council Goals/Professional budget.
ALTERNATIVES
Direct staff to return with a proposed budget amendment for one-time funding support.
Decline to allocate funds and direct staff to respond to the organization accordingly.
Provide alternative direction to staff regarding community-based grant programs or future budget cycles.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 8C
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT