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Planning and Building Department, Economic Development Division, recommending the Board consider the following:
1) Find that support for Save the Graves, Inc. provides a public benefit by promoting tourism, entertainment, business, and leisure travel in the County; and
2) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Funding Agreement 8865 with Save the Graves, Inc. to provide a funding contribution for the Annual Save the Graves Event held each fall and for various fundraising events throughout the term of the Agreement, in the amount of $10,000, and a term of one (1) year effective upon execution.
FUNDING: Discretionary Transient Occupancy Tax.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Saves the Graves, Inc. (Save the Graves) was conceived in 2019 by a partnership between the leadership of Arts & Culture El Dorado, Gold Bug Park, El Dorado County Cemetery Advisory Committee, El Dorado County Cemetery Administration, and the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce. Save the Graves is an organization dedicated to the restoration and protection of cemeteries within El Dorado County.
Through projects, activities, and events, Save the Graves celebrates El Dorado County cemeteries and their history. The Annual Save the Graves Event has been held since October of 2019 and features scripted theatrical portrayals of prominent but often little-known luminaries who shaped the community. These performances are often performed at-or-near the grave of the portrayed and reflect on the events which shaped the life of the individual, while illuminating the era they lived in. In addition to the Annual Save the Graves Event, Save the Graves holds various events and projects, creates interpretive material, and builds coalition on behalf of El Dorado County cemeteries. Through these various efforts, Save the Graves is able to continue restoration, beautification, preservation, and celebration of El Dorado County cemeteries.
Under Funding Agreement 8865, a one-year Funding Agreement, the County will contribute $10,000 to Save the Graves. Funds will primarily be utilized for the Save the Graves Annual Event and various fundraising events throughout the term of the Funding Agreement. A portion of the funds may also be used towards fabrication and installation of interpretive signs and plot location markers, headstone restoration, website development and maintenance, and administrative expenses.
The funding provided under Funding Agreement 8865 will serve a public purpose and provide a valuable public benefit in that it will promote cultural activities, and/or promotional activities that enhance tourism and industry and/or local community events that encourage a sense of community to the people of the County.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board may choose not to approve the proposed Funding Agreement as presented and direct staff to seek alternative options to expend this DTOT funding consistent with Board Policy B-16.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
On December 10, 2019 (File No. 19-1818), the Board approved a new Budget Policy (B-16). Policy B-16, Section II, Item No. 13, states that “Transient Occupancy Tax revenue shall be directed toward the impact of tourism and economic development, with consideration for support of tourism and promotional activities within the County and for continued support for grant fund allocations to support Veteran programs within the County.”
On February 6, 2024 (File No. 24-0125), the Board made a motion to dissolve the Cemetery Advisory Committee and to explore County support for Save the Graves by providing support for Save the Graves events.
On April 10, 2024 (File No. 24-0679), the Board provided direction on the use of DTOT for Fiscal Year 2024-25. Funding in the amount of $10,000 for Save the Graves was included in the Fiscal Year 2024-25 DTOT Spending Plan Summary.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel and Risk Management have approved the proposed Agreement.
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no change to Net County Cost associated with this item. Funding for this Funding Agreement has been included in the Department’s Fiscal Year 2024-25 Recommended Budget.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1. The Clerk of the Board will obtain the Chair’s signature on two (2) original copies of the Funding Agreement; and
2. The Clerk of the Board will forward one (1) fully-executed copy of the Funding Agreement to the Chief Administrative Office, Procurement and Contracts Division, for further processing.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Thriving Economy
CONTACT
Kyle Zimbelman, Deputy Director of Economic Development and Administration
Planning and Building Department