LAKEPORT >> Saving money and saving time dominated discussion during the Lake County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday morning.
The board unanimously approved a measure reducing the number of regular meetings each month. Beginning with the first scheduled meeting in February, the board will convene on the first, third and fourth Tuesdays.
This schedule will continue over a three month trial period.
Last year, multiple supervisor’s meetings were canceled because of a lack of agenda items.
“Reducing the number of regularly scheduled meetings per month would help relieve staff of the time spent preparing the agenda, preparing minutes and attending Board meetings,” observed Lake County Administrative Officer Matt Perry. “Most northern California rural counties the size of Lake County meet less than four times per month.”
The board will also consider holding evening meetings, in hopes of garnering more public attendance. Meetings may also move from district to district, so more people have the opportunity to be involved.
At the end of three months the board will revisit the issue.
Before approving this temporary schedule, the board discussed eliminating the mileage reimbursement policy for board members.
The idea had been mentioned during the Jan. 13 meeting.
“Policy provides for the members of the board of supervisors to be reimbursed for mileage for travel to and from their residences to the Courthouse and travel throughout the County for official County business,” Perry said.
A total annual cost of between $8,000 and $10,000 is spent on mileage.
Both discussions aim to “trim the fat” according to District 4 Supervisor Anthony Farrington.
No consensus was reached between the board. In questioning the plan, District 1 Supervisor Jim Comstock and District 2 Supervisor Jeff Smith said the money saved would be inconsistent, because of the length they have to drive for board meetings.
Once concern is funding directed toward new or continuing positions. On Jan. 13 the supervisors approved an option to re-establish the county’s chief deputy administrative officer position, as well as create an assistant county administrative officer position.
Additionally, pay rates for the positions will be slightly increased “to attract candidates with the right qualifications,” according to the measure voted upon.
In spring, an assistant clerk position was eliminated because of budget constraints, Perry pointed out. Duties of the assistant clerk were divided between the two remaining staff members.
Contact J. W. Burch, IV at 900-2022.
