Title
Planning and Building Department, Economic Development Division, recommending the Board consider the following:
1) Find that support for the Wagon Train event provides a public benefit by promoting a sense of community and enhancing tourism; and
2) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement 6287 with the Highway 50 Association to provide a funding contribution for the annual Wagon Train, with an annual amount of $10,000, a term of two (2) years, and a total not-to-exceed amount of $20,000.
FUNDING: Transient Occupancy Tax.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
In 1949, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the "Gold Rush," a Wagon Train was formed to travel west from Lake Tahoe to Placerville along Highway 50. Due to its popularity, the Wagon Train has made this event an annual tradition.
Pursuant to General Plan Element, Parks and Recreation, Objective 9.3.5: Historical Events. "The County shall actively encourage major events relating to the County's history and way of life such as historical reenactment of the Pony Express and wagon trains, agricultural festivities, and historical fairs". This event also provides a public benefit by celebrating the history of the County and offering students and families an educational opportunity by allowing them to experience history first-hand.
Historically, the County has contributed funding to the Wagon Train event. Prior to 2009, funding for this event was included in the budget for the County Museum. Upon approval of the funding agreement for the 2008 Wagon Train, the Board directed that the funding be budgeted in the Economic Development budget from Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) funds in recognition that this event promotes tourism in the County.
The Agreement in 2016 was for a period of three (3) years, which began in June 2016 and continued through June 2018. The agreement was for $10,000 a year, for a total not to exceed $30,000 over the three (3) year period.
On June 5, 2018 (File No.18-085...
Click here for full text