To: Board of Supervisors
From: Public Works
Agenda Section: Departmental
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Utility Payment Options for County Owned Veterans Memorial Halls
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Receive a report on utility payments at county owned Veterans Memorial Halls;
2. Consider options for increasing stipend payments for Veterans Memorial Halls; and
3. Direct staff to proceed accordingly.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund - Veterans Halls (1100703)
DISCUSSION:
The County of Humboldt owns five Veterans Memorial Halls located in Arcata, Eureka, Fortuna, Ferndale & Garberville. Through agreements with nationally recognized Veterans groups in these communities the county jointly maintains these facilities with the Veterans groups for use by veterans and the public.
Historically, insofar as possible, the County of Humboldt has provided annual funding ("stipends") to the Veterans groups managing the halls, to assist with the cost of water, sewer, electricity, gas, garbage and local telephone service at county owned Veterans Memorial Halls. The stipend amounts are outdated and Veterans groups, managing the halls, have requested an increase in the stipend amount received to offset utility costs.
On May 18, 2021, the Board approved an agreement for the Eureka Veterans Memorial Hall. In that
agreement the stipend payment was increased by 31% with an additional 3% increase annually through fiscal year (FY) 2024-25.
At the Sept. 12, 2022, public hearing regarding the Proposed Budget for FY 2022-23 the Board directed staff to come back with a consistent method of applying an increase to Veterans Memorial Halls' stipend payments.
On Jan. 10, 2023, your Board approved, insofar as possible, a 31% increase in FY 2022-23 for the Arcata, Fortuna and Ferndale Veterans Hall stipends and a 3% increase annually effective FY 2023-24 through FY 2024-25. Increased stipends shall continue to be ...
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