City of Gonzales
CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: November 18, 2024
FROM: Carmen Gil, City Manager
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 2024-69 Approving Community Action Grants for FY 2024-2025
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council Adopt Resolution No. 2024-69, A Resolution of the Council of the City of Gonzales Approving Eleven (11) Community Action Grant Applications for FY 2024-2025 with Funding Allocations to Implement a Variety of Qualified Civic-Minded Community Activities.
BACKGROUND
In November 2014, 65 percent (65%) of Gonzales voters approved Measure ‘K’, enacting a one-half percent (0.5%) transactions and use tax. Included with the passage of the Measure ‘K’ Transaction and Use Tax was the formation of an Oversight Committee to monitor and provide advisory recommendations to the City Council regarding the use of the tax revenues. The formation of the Oversight Committee was necessary to maintain the public transparency needed for the use of these funds. In June of 2016, it was determined that a Small Grants Program to support a variety of civic-minded activities that aimed to enhance the Love, Care, and Connect philosophy of the City and where community individuals could contribute to community connectedness and build opportunities for the community through service and volunteerism would be beneficial and something that aligned with the city’s intended outcomes. Since then, the Community Action Grants Program has been a staple for community groups that need a little bit of support to get their ideas and/or projects done.
REVIEW & ANALYSIS
The Community Action Grant Program continues to grow each year. On October 30, 2024, the subcommittee of the Measure ‘K’ Oversight Committee reviewed and scored a total of twelve (12) applications and is recommending the approval of eleven (11) of them. The recommended small grants and the funding allocations for the FY 2024-2025 are as follows:
AGENDA
ITEM
14 Recommended Small Grants
1. Abrazos y Suspiros $3,000
2. Adventure Seeking Seniors $5,000
3. Gonzales Youth Guardians – Community Activities $5,000
4. Grupo Unido de Gonzales – Dia Del Nino / Day of the Child $3,000
5. GUHS Debate Organization Conference $2,500
6. Pueblo Unido de Tateposco (LUDA) – 5 de Mayo $1,000
7. Salad Bowl Boxing $2,000
8. Salvation Army – Camp Redwood Glen $3,000
1. Salvation Army – Holiday Program $5,000
2. Salvation Army – Utility Assistance Program $3,000
3. Save the Wales $2,500
Total = $35,000
How Recommendation Supports the Vision
Gonzales will continue to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in its heritage, and committed to working collaboratively to preserve and retain its small-town charm.
Explain: The Grant Program directly supports the Vision, by providing funds to community members to implement programs, activities, and/or projects that help Gonzales preserve, retain and in many cases enhance its small-town charm.
Explain how the Recommendation Directly Implements the Mission The City Council and Staff of the City of Gonzales will realize our Vision by providing the leadership, commitment and resources necessary to provide excellent services that enhance the quality of life of our diverse community. X Yes ___ No.
Explain: The Measure ‘K’ Transaction and Use Tax offers a significant source of funds for the City to undertake public projects that it might otherwise not be able to do. The Community Action Grants Program is one of those programs that serves to support the community’s quality of life while allowing local residents to serve, take action, and implement activities that serve to improve the overall community.
City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful, and friendly manner to insure the safety and well-being of the residents and the promotion of business, recreational, housing and employment opportunities in an environmentally sustainable manner. X Yes ___No.
Explain: Please refer to the explanation written above for the Vision.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety X Yes No N/A
• Housing Yes No X N/A
• Recreation X Yes No N/A
• Environment Yes No X N/A
• Education X Yes No N/A
Explain: The recommended list of Community Action Grant recipients was selected and vetted by the Measure K Subcommittee. This ensures transparency and the adequate use of funding.
BUDGET
The budget for the Small Grants Program is $35,000. From this amount allocations for each program/project were determined based on funding available and need. Each program’s reach and previous success if any was also taken into consideration.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council Adopt Resolution No. 2024-69, A Resolution of the Council of the City of Gonzales Approving Eleven (11) Community Action Grant Applications for FY 2024-2025 with Funding Allocations to Implement a Variety of Qualified Civic-Minded Community Activities.
Attachments:
4. Resolution No. 2024-69