City of Orange (CA)

Leslie Hardy with the City of Orange's Community & Library Services Department (CA) reflects on how attending the Financial Sustainability Certificate Program with 110% helped guide their department to revise their fee framework.

What was the value of the Financial Sustainability Certificate Program to your organization and what has resulted since attending?

At the time of attending the Financial Sustainability Certificate Program, our City had just completed a comprehensive fee study. Our department fees had not been updated in roughly 15 years, which historically had been set somewhat arbitrary as we didn’t have a clear framework for approaching [fee] adjustments until the Financial Sustainability Certificate Program provided one. Applying what was taught in the FSCP, we worked over several months to develop and implement a Financial Sustainability Strategy framework that included service categories and subsidy level expectations. City Council approved our revised fee model and specifically acknowledged the thoughtful approach taken that the Financial Sustainability Certificate Program provided.

What is one quantitative-based improvement that your organization has seen as a result of your attendance at the Financial Sustainability Certificate Program?

[As part of our revised fee model process] Our youth sports field rentals fell within a recommended 30-60% subsidy range. When we initially proposed this subsidy at a Council meeting, we were met with concern from our local sports groups and participants as our then-current fees were to so low (between $2 -$10 per hour) compared to the proposed increase (between $19 - $34 per hour). We took the opportunity to meet with the sports group representatives to educate them through the proposed fee model as well as collaborate on a multi-year phased implementation plan. These conversations were incredibly productive and were able to arrive at a reasonable solution that fell within our proposed subsidy expectations.

What quote best represents your personal perspective on the Financial Sustainability Strategy and its impact?

Thank you for such an engaging, practical, and impactful training. The Financial Sustainability Certificate Program has been one of the most valuable professional development experiences I’ve had, and it made a tangible difference in our work. We’re planning to send staff to future programs.

Download the City of Orange's Program Spotlight PDF

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