BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
1. Receive a presentation on the proposed San Benito County Parks and Recreation Sponsorship Policy and consider the policy; and
2. Adopt the San Benito County Parks and Recreation Sponsorship Policy as presented and direct the applicable County department(s) to implement and administer the policy, including, but not limited to, establishing the appropriate accounts to receive, track, and account for revenues generated through sponsorships; or
3. Provide direction to staff regarding any desired revisions and, if necessary, direct staff to return with a revised policy for further consideration.
SBC FILE NUMBER: 156
REGULAR AGENDA
Staff is presenting the proposed San Benito County Parks and Recreation Sponsorship policy for Board consideration. The policy establishes a consistent framework for securing, evaluating, managing, and recognizing sponsorships associated with County parks, recreation facilities, programs, and events. Sponsorships are intended to enhance services, facilities, and community experiences beyond those funded by the County's general fund.
The proposed policy has been presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission, Tourism Committee, and County Counsel for review and feedback. The version before the Board reflects feedback received throughout the process.
The policy is intended to provide the County with a transparent and consistent process for pursuing sponsorship opportunities while protecting the public purpose, appearance, accessibility, and integrity of County parks and recreation services.
The policy establishes criteria for evaluating potential sponsors and requires consideration of community benefit, public access, County costs and obligations, compatibility with County missions and policies, and ethical appropriateness. It also identifies categories of sponsors and activities that are not eligible, including those that may create conflicts of interest, imply County endorsement, or otherwise conflict with County policies.
The policy allows sponsorships for events, park and facility development, recreation programs, and naming rights. Naming rights remain subject to the County’s existing Parks and Recreation Facilities Naming Policy and require review by the applicable Commission and final determination by the Board of Supervisors.
The policy also establishes requirements for written sponsorship proposals and formal agreements, including sponsor identity, sponsorship value, recognition, duration, legal compliance, insurance and indemnification where applicable, maintenance obligations, and termination provisions.
In addition, the County may develop a separate Sponsorship Opportunities Guide to identify and market available sponsorship opportunities. The Guide would be administrative and may be updated without amending the policy, provided updates remain consistent with the Board-adopted policy.
The adoption of the policy is not expected to directly affect the General Fund. Future sponsorship revenues will depend on individual sponsorship opportunities and agreements. Under the proposed policy, sponsorship revenues would be allocated to a special fund and appropriated for purposes identified in the sponsorship agreement or for parks and recreation-related activities
1. Receive a presentation on the proposed San Benito County Parks and Recreation Sponsorship Policy and consider the policy; and
2. Adopt the San Benito County Parks and Recreation Sponsorship Policy as presented and direct the applicable County department(s) to implement and administer the policy, including, but not limited to, establishing the appropriate accounts to receive, track, and account for revenues generated through sponsorships; or
3. Provide direction to staff regarding any desired revisions and, if necessary, direct staff to return with a revised policy for further consideration.