Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Adopted Budget - County of Sonoma

RECOMMENDED BUDGET
ADVERTISING
Veronica A. Ferguson, County Administrator
The FY 11-12 recommended budget is $3.8 million and it represents a 4.5% expenditure increase mainly due to new one-time
designations, such as $110,000 to finance the Veterans Buildings Transition project, and $100,000 to expand Vacation Rental zoning
and Transient Occupancy Tax registration compliance. Offsetting the increases is a $60,000 reduction to the Sonoma County Library
representing last year’s one-time augmentation to support a grant funded project to digitize portions of the Wine Library for online
accessibility to promote county tourism and culture.
Core Services
• The FY 11-12 recommended appropriations, if approved, will continue to support the following: (a) $2.1 million to Regional Parks to
finance departmental baseline expenses, (b) $645,000 for current Advertising program participants (see Allocations and Reserves on
next page), and (c) $100,000 one-time support for Permit & Resource Management Department Housing Element implementation.
• The $2.1 million recommended appropriation for Regional Parks will partially finance baseline operations and maintenance. The
recommended allocation does not include additional support for new parks operations and maintenance, as no new facilities are
programmed to be opened in the new year. In addition, the FY 11-12 recommendation continues $25,000 restored by the Board of
Supervisors in FY 10-11for the continuation of Becoming Independent contract, which provides opportunity to members of our
community with developmental challenges to learn basic job skills. Lastly, as and mentioned before, the new year contribution
includes $110,000 of one-time funds to finance the cost of the Veterans Buildings Transition project.
• According to travel industry reports each year Sonoma County hosts more than 7 million domestic and international visitors. These
visitors contribute more than $1.2 billion in 2009 to the area's economy. The tourism industry supports more than 16,000 jobs, and
brings in more than $80 million in taxes. The recommended budget follows the county’s goal to support the Tourism industry by
granting funds to small and large events and cultural organizations. Funds awarded in FY 11-12 intend to help non-profit
organizations cover the cost of advertising materials and promotion efforts.
• Since FY 01-02, the Board of Supervisors has also approved an economic uncertainty reserve (EUR) in the event that TOT revenues
fell significantly short of projections, with the goal being to set aside 5% of the estimated revenues for this reserve. The current EUR
of $313,600 meets this goal. In addition, staff is recommending to release the $149,975 reserve set aside in FY 05-06 for Parks
operations and maintenance, for the most part, to finance the Veterans Buildings Transition project (as mentioned above).
Strategic Plan Focus Areas
• During Final Budget hearings the Board will also consider for final approval the following new funding recommendations: (a)
$35,900 increase to Category H – Major County Events & Cultural Organizations total funding cap; and (b) $350,000 to finance the
Board’s Economic Development Ad-Hoc recommendations to invest on projects that will invigorate the county’s economy.
• Funding recommendations depict the county’s economic development stewardship by reinvesting into projects and initiatives that
strengthen major county industries, such as Tourism and Agriculture.
• In addition, support provided for the implementation on the General Plan’s Housing Element demonstrates the county’s goal of
investing in the future by assuring our citizens have viable housing options
• Looking forward, the Board will be afforded the opportunity to revisit future investments through a competitive FY 12-13 funding
request where all current and potential new applicants will submit a new application. FY 12-13 solicitation period will begin by
winter 2012.
County of Sonoma
FY 2011-2012 Adopted Budget
226
Other County Services