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Council decides city will manage Flags of Valor donations to prioritize local veterans
Summary
The council voted 5-0 to have the city collect and manage funds raised through the Flags of Valor program rather than transferring funds to an outside nonprofit; the program raised over $5,000 this year.
The City Council voted unanimously to manage and distribute funds raised through the Flags of Valor program within city procedures rather than transferring the money to an outside veteran-serving nonprofit.
Community Services staff told the council the Flags of Valor program raised more than $5,000 through business sponsorships and flag sales. Staff presented two options: (1) partner with a nonprofit to manage and distribute funds under a memorandum of understanding, or (2) have the city collect and manage the funds directly and distribute them to local veterans consistent with city-established eligibility guidelines.
Councilmembers favored the city-managed approach, saying it would allow the city to prioritize South El Monte residents and provide direct city oversight and transparent reporting. One councilmember noted nonprofits can be useful partners but that some organizations may serve a broader area and might not prioritize city residents.
Councilmember Rudy moved to accept option 2 (city management) and Councilmember Manny Acosta seconded. The motion passed 5-0. Staff will implement city-led procedures for intake, vetting and distribution and present administrative guidelines and reporting to the council as appropriate.
