LAKE COUNTY — The Lake County Board of Supervisors conceded Tuesday to proceed with the establishment of a steering committee to be focused primarily on identifying funding sources for management of algae and aquatic weeds in Clear Lake.
A workshop for identifying goals and considering committee members is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. during the board”s regular meeting Sept. 21 in Supervisors Chambers at the County Courthouse in Lakeport.
Members of the board agreed that the committee should be relatively small. Less than 10 members is preferred.
The committee is to be solely focused on finances. Members with experience in business operation, accounting, profit and loss and other financially-based experience are being sought. The committee will identify existing financial sources as well as seek additional funding source possibilities including federal and state funded grants.
“I think there will be a lot of different tools and I think a collective wisdom would be beneficial,” District 4 Supervisor Anthony Farrington, who brought the idea to the board said.
Through its discussion, the board identified areas of concern for the committee to research such as the affect of a countywide decline in Transient Occupancy Taxes (TOTs), establishing ongoing funding sources through a sales tax measure or property tax increase and the feasibility of utilizing the county”s quagga/zebra mussel inspection program as a funding source.
The board also said that the committee could look into the possibility of changing legislation with regard to the allocation of registration fees on marine vessels.
District 2 Supervisor Jeff Smith said that the committee should include members of the Clear Lake Advisory Committee who have historical knowledge of lake issues. It was also suggested that the cities of Clearlake and Lakeport be involved in the steering committee.
District 3 Supervisor Denise Rushing said that while she does not think a steering committee is a bad idea, she would like to see goals clearly identified. She said that when seeking funding through grants and other sources, agencies typically require a clear plan of action in which the funds will be utilized.
Goals for the short term she said could focus on preventing algae and weeds from reaching the shore where they hurt resort businesses and keeping lanes to open water clear. The long term goal she said could be reducing the nutrient load into Clear Lake.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
