By Mark Walker

In a move billed as adding more transparency to government, San Diego County Supervisor Dave Roberts has named a seven-member panel to help him decide how to allocate his share of more than $2.6 million in community enhancement money.

The seven members will make recommendations on how to award about $536,000 available to nonprofit groups in his North County district.

“I want to fund organizations that provide the best return on the taxpayers’ investment and assist the greatest number of citizens,” he said Tuesday.

Roberts is the first supervisor to create a panel to screen applicants. Panel members are Lani Lutar, former head of the San Diego County Taxpayers Association; Cindy Weir of Escondido; Sharon Omahen of Encinitas; Shirley King of Del Mar; Rich Thesing of Tierrasanta; Ed Muna of Rancho Bernardo; and Frisco White of Carmel Valley.

“These are community leaders I trust to weigh in on the needs of their neighborhoods,” Roberts said.

Nonprofits countywide have already submitted requests totaling $8.4 million, about $6.4 million more than what’s available for all five supervisorial districts. The money comes from a room tax charged at hotels and motels in the unincorporated area and is distinct from the $1 million each supervisor also gets annually to award to projects in their districts.

Applicants for the community enhancement money include domestic violence groups, youth sports, community concerts, education and children’s health programs.

The panel will make its recommendations to Roberts in a public meeting set for noon until 5 p.m. June 12 at the Rancho Bernardo Library.

“I want to fund organizations that provide the best return on the taxpayers’ investment and assist the greatest number of citizens,” Roberts said.