Title
Supervisor Parlin recommending the Board:
1) Find that a public benefit is derived from supporting the Gold Trail Grange’s effort to provide a community center and meeting hall for the communities of Coloma, Lotus, and Gold Hill and recover from a loss of revenue due to being shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic; and
2) Approve and authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to sign a funding Agreement, consistent with the County’s standard form and upon the approval of County Counsel, with the Gold Trail Grange authorizing payment of the $5,000 community funding contribution in support of these efforts.
FUNDING: General Fund.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Board has shown support to provide assistance to the many community centers and community halls in the County as they recover from a loss of revenue due to being shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Gold Trail Grange #452 is a 501(c)8 fraternal organization that maintains and operates the Gold Trail Grange-Coloma Lotus Community Hall for the communities of Coloma, Lotus, and Gold Hill. Due to being closed down for COVID, the nonprofit went from $19,500 in rent and fundraising revenue in 2019 to $9,781 in 2020 and $3,667 in revenue for 2021. They appreciate the Board's understanding of the importance of maintaining and operating community centers in our small, rural communities and request $5,000 to replace lost revenues in 2020 and 2021. The funds being requested will help cover the cost of repairing and maintaining the hall, which includes replacing siding and fascia boards, repairing the roof, and reinforcing the structure to prevent further sagging in the cable trusses. These repairs will ensure that the building is safe, functional, and visually appealing, providing a comfortable and inviting space for the community to gather and engage in community activities.
The project to repair and maintain the Gold Trail Grange-Coloma Lotus Community Hall will provide significant public benefit to the Coloma Valley of El Dorado County by ensuring that this essential community resource can continue to serve a wide range of community groups and organizations. The community hall serves many important groups, including 4-H, Boy Scouts, Junior River Guides, Coloma Lotus Fire Safe Council, Coloma Lotus Ditch Association, Coloma-Lotus Advisory Council, Mt. Murphy Bridge Public Meetings, Scott Rd. Residents (flood emergency meeting), among others. These groups rely on the hall to provide a safe and functional space for their meetings, events, and activities. In addition to serving these organizations, the community hall also provides numerous community events, such as potlucks, music jams, dances, and concerts. These events help to bring the community together, promoting social connections and building a sense of community cohesion. The hall also serves as a venue for cultural events and educational opportunities, such as classes and workshops. The hall is nearly 100 years old and by repairing and maintaining the community hall, this project will ensure that it can continue to serve these important functions for years to come. This will benefit the entire community of El Dorado County by providing a safe and accessible space for community groups and organizations, as well as cultural events and educational opportunities. Overall, the project to repair the Gold Trail Grange-Coloma Lotus Community Hall will contribute to the well-being and vitality of the community, supporting a wide range of public benefits.
The Gold Trail Grange’s Community Funding Request Application is attached.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose not to approve the funding request, and no funding would be provided in support of these efforts
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
June 7, 2022, File #22-0973, Item #2 - During the Budget Hearing the Board discussed the Community Benefit Funding for the 2022-2023 Recommend Budget. The discussion led to the CAO recommending that the Board approve $50,000 in the Recommended Budget.
On September 20, 2022, File #22-1668, Item #32 - This amount was increased to $75,000 when adopting the Final Budget.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The Board of Supervisors recommended allocating $75,000 in the Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget in General Fund - Other Operations (Department 15) to be available for community funding requests supported by the Board. Approval of this item would allocate $5,000 from this amount.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Healthy Communities
CONTACT
Shelley Wiley x6513