LAKEPORT >> The Lake County Board of Supervisors approved an official letter at its regular meeting Tuesday informing those who operate unofficial Clayton Fire shelters that they will not receive financial and logistical assistance from the local government.
According to District 5 Supervisor and BOS Chair Rob Brown, the letter was inspired by the aftermath of last year’s Valley Fire, when the county learned that operators assumed they would get support — including the cleanup and removal of items.
“We thought it would be best to let them know right up front what the expectation was,” he said.
In addition to the letter’s unanimous approval, it was also announced that the county is only willing to take cash donations through organizations like North Coast Opportunities and Mendo Lake Credit Union. Material contributions will not be accepted until the county identifies specific needs, Administrative Officer Carol Huchingson said.
Mainly, officials are trying to avoid an excessive flow of supplies like they experienced during the Valley Fire because of the cost to dispose. According to Huchingson, all those “in-kind” donations cost “hundreds of thousands of dollars” in taxpayer money.
“Donated items can significantly exceed the needs of disaster victims,” she said at town hall meeting at Kelseyville High School on Monday. “Enormous volumes of items can be collected, which are ultimately of no practical use to our survivors.”
The letter was approved unanimously, 5-0.
