LAKEPORT— The Lake County Board of Supervisors held their weekly meeting discussing the renewal of the Tourism Improvement District as well as the consideration of round four of the Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention grant. The board also approved the rate increase for sewage usage in Middletown.
Brian Fisher, Executive Director of the Lake County Improvement District was joined by Emily Brown from an outside agency in a discussion and consideration of a resolution declaring the intention to renew the Lake County Tourism Improvement District and establishment of a time and place of a public meeting and a public hearing. Fisher explained how the current contract was established for five years ending in December 2023.
As this renewal can be a lengthy process, Fisher decided to begin it now, presenting on the accomplishments of the last four years noting the organization’s growth in online traffic and social media growth. The overall goal of the Tourism Improvement District is to increase tourism and advertise such for the county. To date they have created a website with a bookable widget, obtained several billboards and published an official travel map of the county.
Fisher discussed the assessment on the renewal requesting three percent noting, “We settled at 2.5 percent, so that will be the assessment beginning in January of 2024. That assessment will give us a $386,000 budget.” Fisher further explained the breakdown of their anticipated spending for the next contractual term. District 5 Supervisor Jessica Pyska said, “This is really important work and it’s important to keep the TID intact and moving forward for the next 10 years.” She did ask about the three percent still being in the contract to which Brown responded, “Section 36624 of the 94 law allows for the proposed assessment to be revised, only to be reduced and only at the final hearing which is what we intend to do.” The supervisors agreed that increasing the number of hotels is top priority and that the ultimate goal is to continue the TID for at least another 10 years.
Todd Metcalf from Behavioral Health services alongside Scott Abbott, Mental Health Services Act Housing Program Manager, presented on round four of the Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention grant. According to Abbot, 93 percent of this round of funding will go directly toward interim shelters both new and existing, with 10 percent of that 93 to be spent on housing any homeless youth. The goal was set at housing 10 percent of the homeless population, which District 2 Supervisor agreed should be higher. Considering the unexpected loss of the last homeless shelter, 10 percent would be the minimum requirement while the goal would be to house more like 25 percent. The board consented to return to this item next week.
The board also revisited an item from last week regarding an increase in fees for sewage usage in Middletown. Although there was public opposition, the board agreed that the fee increase was necessary and voted to approve the fee increase.
More information as well as minutes, agendas and video can be found on the county website at lakecountyca.gov.
