San Benito supervisors approve $3.6M CDBG application package, require RFP to return to board

The San Benito County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously March 31 to authorize county staff to submit three applications under the 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Notice of Funding Availability totaling up to $3,600,000 and delegated authority to the county CEO to complete and accept awards, with a board‑requested amendment that any resulting request for proposals (RFP) come back to the board for review before contracts are issued.

The package includes two public‑service activities and one facility project. County staff described a proposed “Dream Capture” youth enrichment and summer employment program that would serve about 180 low‑income children and youth, and a food assistance activity intended to deliver hot meals to low‑income seniors (including homebound residents) and clients at the county shelter, where staff estimate roughly 250 people could be served. Separately, the county plans to submit a $3,000,000 library renovation application that would fund ADA upgrades and a cooling/warming center with a backup generator.

“Today, after the public hearing, you will make a decision of whether or not we can submit this proposed grant application,” County CEO Esperanza Colli told the board as she introduced the package. HSA staff explained the youth program would include after‑school tutoring, enrichment activities and a summer employment component; staff said a successful award would likely fund programming beginning in 2027 because award announcements and contracting would follow the NOFA timeline.

Public commenters backed the applications. Tammy Aviles of the Friends of the San Benito County Free Library thanked officials and offered the group’s support for the library effort: “So it’s very much appreciated…we are here to partner,” she said. Greg Baker, executive director of Community Homeless Solutions, urged support for shelter operations as the county seeks services funding, noting the shelter’s expansion to 56 beds and recent average occupancy of about 50.

Staff cautioned the library renovation faces environmental review complications. County presenters said they are preparing NEPA documents but expect additional assessment because the planned improvements may exceed thresholds that trigger further review under environmental rules. Staff also said the allocation splits for the $300,000 food category have not been finalized and that awards will be implemented through a competitive procurement process: “Based on proposals received…we would anticipate a rating, ranking, recommending committee,” staff said, adding that selected contracts would return to the board for approval.

Board members pressed staff on how funds would be distributed across the county and asked that procurement scoring reflect priorities for countywide coverage, including services in San Juan Bautista and other unincorporated areas. Tracy Belton, agency director for Health and Human Services, said program design has focused on senior‑center meals (including Meals on Wheels) and shelter meal services and that procurement scoring can give priority to organizations with countywide reach.

Supervisor comments at the meeting praised staff coordination and community engagement in shaping the proposals; the board then moved, accepted a friendly amendment that any RFP be brought back for board review before release, and approved the resolution by roll call vote 5‑0 (Supervisor Zenger — yes; Supervisor Velasquez — yes; Supervisor Kosmicke — yes; Supervisor Sotelo — yes; Supervisor Currow — yes).

The next procedural steps are for staff to finalize the applications and submit them under the state’s NOFA, complete any necessary environmental review work for the library project, and, if awarded funds, run competitive procurements that will return to the board for review as requested. The board adjourned to its next meeting on April 14.