sales tax

South Lake Tahoe's new truck quickly becoming valuable fire-fighting tool

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It has been a long wait. The December, 2020 arrival of a new ladder fire truck for South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue was a journey that began in 2013 when a Ferrara ladder truck has been ordered to the tune of almost $1,050,000. That truck replaced an aging 1982 truck and was paid for by California sales tax funds that are for public safety. As soon as that truck arrived in 2014 though, it was trouble.

New $5M public communication system heading to South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - First responders in South Lake Tahoe have been dealing with an antiquated public safety communications system for years but that is about to change. On Tuesday, City Council approved the funds needed to fix the system with much more than a band-aid.

Special City Council meeting Monday to certify election; honor Collin and Laine

Event Date: 
November 30, 2020 - 9:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The results from the November 3, 2020 election were certified by the El Dorado County Registrar of Voters Bill O'Neil on Wednesday and the City of South Lake Tahoe will certify the results of local items during a special meeting on Monday, November 30 at 9:00 a.m.

El Dorado County down to 1,000 votes to count - Creegan and Friedrich new South Lake Tahoe councilmembers

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The El Dorado County Elections Department tabulated another 9,614 ballots on Friday, leaving about 1,000 provisional ballots left to count.

At this time, 115,339 ballots have been counted of the possible 135,554 voters (85.09%).

Cristi Creegan and John Friedrich appear to be the next two South Lake Tahoe City councilmembers. They led the race since the first ballots were counted on election day and came out victorious in the field of ten candidates.

Election results: Creegan and Friedrich still on top of Council race, Measure S passing

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The El Dorado County Elections Department has tabulated another 16,320 ballots. They plan to have the count of 9,200 mail-in ballots completed Friday. Then there will be about 1,200 provisional ballots left to count and some ballots that were waiting on signature corrections.

At this time, 105,725 ballots have been counted of the possible 135,554 voters (77.99%).

South Lake Tahoe's Measure S passing, Creegan and Friedrich leading

4:00 p.m. UPDATE: There will be no more updates to the El Dorado County ballot count on Wednesday. According to election officials, mail in ballots are being counted but nothing will be updated on their website until tabulations occur Thursday afternoon.

There have been no updates since Tuesday night to the Douglas County election results.

City Council candidates respond to South Lake Tahoe Chamber questions

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce Board recently asked the nine City Council candidates ten questions they felt were of most importance to its members. The questions focused mainly on topics relating to things that will or may affect both the local small businesses and the community in general.

Their board made the decision to not endorse a specific candidate this election, but instead rank them based on how much they align with the South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce goals based on their answers to the questions below.

Letter to the Editor: We Choose a Voice For Locals

It's a great thing to call for unity. It sounds good and feels good. But for far too long hollow calls for "working together" have become excuses for bulldozing over the needs of the people who live and work here in favor of the needs of the developers, resorts and casinos.

I chose the locals.

I choose to give a voice to those who are marginalized.

And if this seems like I’m causing trouble, then it is, as John Lewis called it, good trouble.

Letter to the Editor: Shops at Heavenly Village support Williams and Carter for Council

On September 22, 2020 the Tahoe Chamber endorsed City Council Candidates Cristi Creegan and John Friedrich. We strongly believe they are the wrong choice for this position and will not represent the businesses, jobs, local working residents, and current challenges in our community effectively.

Fire Chief tells how Measure S can help fund needs in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It will be hard to find someone in favor of taxes, but with them being the reason many things in this world are funded, they are accepted to some degree.

On November 3, the City of South Lake Tahoe will be asking voters for support of a one-cent local sales tax known as Measure S.

SLT Council Candidate Scott Robbins

South Tahoe Now reached out to all nine candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council and provided the same list of questions to each one of them. Once a day their answers will be published in the order received.

Today's candidate is Scott Robbins

Profession: National Security Analysist

How many years in SLT: 4

One-percent sales tax increase for South Lake Tahoe to be added to the November ballot

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - City Council approved unanimously at their meeting Tuesday to send what is being called the "South Lake Tahoe Fire Protection, Emergency Response, City Services Measure" to the ballot in November.

If voters approve the measure, a one-percent sales tax increase will be added in the City of South Lake Tahoe to all taxable purchases to meet funding shortfalls, according to the City.

South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting Tuesday: Tax increase and Grand Jury on agenda

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The next meeting of the South Lake Tahoe City Council will be on Tuesday, July 14 starting at 9:00 a.m. It will be a virtual meeting and log on/comment instructions are at the end of the story.

On the agenda:

Council will vote on a measure, that if approved by voters on November 3, will add a local one-cent sales tax for general city purposes. There has been outreach done with local residents and finding out what their highest priorities are, and this proposed tax increase would meet those requests:

El Dorado County recommended budget $87M less that previous year

On Friday May 29, 2019, El Dorado Chief Administrative Officer Don Ashton
released his Fiscal Year 2020-21 Recommended Budget to the Board of Supervisors. The total recommended budget is approximately $647.7 million, which is $87.3 million less than the Fiscal Year 2019-20 budget, a copy of which can be accessed here.

Decision expected in May on status of major Lake Tahoe events

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - With formal events being canceled due to COVID-19 health concerns, there are two major summer events in Lake Tahoe that are still officially on the calendar. The holding of the American Century Championship (Celebrity Golf) and 4th of July Fireworks for this summer is expected to be determined mid-May.

Incline Village/Crystal Bay leaders announced their fireworks were going to be canceled earlier this month, but the Tahoe Douglas Visitors Authority (TDVA) board will be voting at their May meeting on the 2020 South Shore display.

Events Center approved by Douglas County Commissioners

STATELINE, Nev. - In what has been a hotly debated topic for months between the five Douglas County Board of Commissioners and members of the public, the Tahoe South Events Center passed the final hurdle Thursday. In a 3-2 vote, the commissioners approved bond issuance, the final step in the approval process. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) had previously unanimously approved it.

Sales tax revenues increase in South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Quarterly reports on the sales tax received by the City of South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County (EDC) were released this week. The quarter ending September 2019 shows the County's taxable sales in the unincorporated area grew by 4.3 percent when compared to the same period in 2018. In South Lake Tahoe, taxable sales grew by 6.0 percent. County-wide including both cities within its boundaries saw a 5.1 percent increase. In comparison, the Sacramento region was up 4.5 percent.

South Lake Tahoe Council gets first look at 2019-20 budget: New police and fire personnel added

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The proposed 2019/20 budget for the City of South Lake Tahoe was presented to the Council Tuesday by City Manager Frank Rush who showed where $119M will go should they agree and approve at their September 17 meeting.

Sales tax revenues increase in South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The winter of 2019 was a good one for both South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County retailers, ski resorts, restaurants and others whose businesses collect sales tax, including online retailers selling goods in the area.

The first sales tax report for 2019 has been released, with $2,580,475 in gross receipts in South Lake Tahoe during Q4/Q1 and $11,976,387 in the unincorporated areas of El Dorado County. During the same two-quarter period the year before, tax revenues were $2,390,631 and $9,925,645 respectively.

Day-long budget workshop for the City of South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It will be a very long day for the City Council and City staff on Tuesday as they hold a budget workshop prior to the start of their regularly scheduled meeting on July 16 at 10:00 a.m.

The public is invited to attend

Their agenda:

1. Call to Order Mayor Laine

2. Public Comment Mayor Laine

3. Draft City Council Priorities Frank Rush
a. Review of priorities
b. Progress to date

4. General Overview of City Financial Position Debbie McIntyre
a. General Fund balance

El Dorado County Supervisors approve $688 million budget

PLACERVILLE, Calif. - The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the 2019-20 budget on Monday, one that spends $688 million to fund the County’s programs and services. $313 million of that amount is the County’s general fund which primarily funds public safety and general government services.

Opinion: It shouldn’t be us vs. them

There’s been recent talk about the US 50 Community Revitalization Project (AKA the Loop Road), and I applaud the City of South Lake Tahoe for taking an active role in listening to the community as the planning phase of the project begins. There are a lot of significant concerns, which is normal with a project of this scope. That said, the 'us vs. them' mentality that many residents use as a reason to avoid this project is frustrating and potentially damaging to our community.

City of South Lake Tahoe settles with fire engine manufacturer, gets $1.775M

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Since its arrival, the 2013 model Ferrara ladder truck the City of South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) purchased has been been a "lemon," and now they have reached a settlement with the manufacturer, Ferrara Fire Apparatus of Holden, Louisiana.

In 2014, City of South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) took possession of a 2013 model Ferrara ladder truck at the tune of almost $1,050,000. It was purchased to replace the aging ladder truck SLTFR had from 1982 and was paid for with funds from California sales tax money devoted to public safety.

SLT City Council meeting to include construction allocations, camping regulations

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Tuesday's evening meeting of the South Lake Tahoe City Council will have a full agenda that includes replacement of aging snow removal equipment, a Lime License Agreement, and temporary suspension of the City's Residential Allocation Procedures.

South Lake Tahoe street rehabilitation plan presented to City Council

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Road rehabilitation has long been a concern of City Council, but there hasn't always been money in the budget to do anything more than patching, pothole filling and some resurfacing. With almost 130 miles of roads (260 lane miles) maintained by the City of South Lake Tahoe, with many of them past their prime, it would take millions of dollars to get all of them to a top rating.

Letter: Wendy David offers 100% committment to South Lake Tahoe community

Our community has less than one week before November 6th, election day, arrives. There are many important issues on the ballot. My husband and I just mailed ours in on Monday and I was reminded again of how fortunate we are to live in a nation where the voters decide on such topics as daylight savings time, on new laws preventing cruelty to farm animals, allowing rent controls to stop spiraling costs that are eliminating housing options, and many other state and local topics.

Meet the Candidate: Hal Cole says his experience and calm leadership will guide City

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Each of the nine candidates for City Council answered the same ten questions that were given to them by South Tahoe Now. For nine consecutive days the candidate's responses will be shared in the order received.

Today, Hal Cole gives his responses as he attempts to return to the South Lake Tahoe City Council:

Meet the Candidate: Austin Sass says experience is key to serving community

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Each of the nine candidates for City Council answered the same ten questions that were given to them by South Tahoe Now. For nine consecutive days the candidate's responses will be shared in the order received.

Today, current Councilman Austin Sass shares his thoughts in his quest for another term on the South Lake Tahoe City Council:

Meet the Candidate: Wendy David seeks second term on South Lake Tahoe City Council

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Each of the nine candidates for City Council answered the same ten questions that were given to them by South Tahoe Now. For each of the next nine days the candidate's responses will be shared in the order received.

First up is Wendy David, the current mayor of South Lake Tahoe. She is seeking a second term on the Council.

SLT City Council delays decision on cannabis taxes, requests more information

The good news, South Lake Tahoe City Council approved an adult-use cannabis ordinance at their special meeting Monday.

What hasn't been worked out yet is how much to charge the different types of cannabis businesses to operate, and how product and surrounding services will be taxed.

Special South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting Monday

Event Date: 
July 2, 2018 - 9:00am

There will be a special meeting of the South Lake Tahoe City Council on Monday, June 2 starting at 9:00 a.m. in Council Chambers at the airport.

Cannabis is the topic of the main reason for the meeting, both a vote on a tax measure for the November ballot and a public hearing on the zoning and regulations of adult use cannibus businesses and the medical marijuana dispensary.

Could South Lake Tahoe become the Napa Valley of cannabis?

Could South Lake Tahoe become the Napa Valley of cannabis? Could a new slogan be "Made in Tahoe, Enjoyed in California?" Or will Tahoe weed be world famous?

These are all possible, and the desire of many entrepreneurs, but the South Lake Tahoe City Council wants regulations around the cannabis industry to be done correctly, and thus slowly, to prevent unseen issues that could arise as they develop the first ordinance for adult use cannabis in South Lake Tahoe.

Changes ahead for South Shore bus services

One thing is certain, something has to change or there will not be enough money to operate buses around the South Shore of Lake Tahoe. What isn't certain is how those changes will look, where extra funding can come from, or if services will have to be cut.

During Friday's Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) board meeting, options to keep a sustainable transit system in place for Lake Tahoe were discussed. Buses continue to operate at a loss and that cannot continue, according to the TTD staff.

New South Lake Tahoe resort plans unveiled

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In 2008 it was known as "The Hole" after financing dried up for a redevelopment project, bordered by Highway 50, Stateline Avenue, Friday Avenue and Cedar Avenue. A cement hole with rebar stayed until the project area could get under control of one owner through bankruptcy. In 2013, Owens Financial obtained a building permit to start spending $400 million to build over 27,000 square feet of commercial space along Highway 50. This was followed by the Zalanta Resort opening at Highway 50 and Friday Avenue in 2017.

Low public turnout for EDC budget presentation

MEYERS and SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The El Dorado County Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Don Ashton has been making the rounds to communities throughout the county, explaining the budget through an informative presentation and discussion.

Most of the communities Ashton has visited have had 15-20 citizens in attendance, all asking questions and giving input in the budget process as Ashton and the Supervisors figure out how to save $20M over the next four years to meet CalPers pension liabilities.

City of South Lake Tahoe sues fire truck company

In 2014, City of South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) took possession of a 2013 model Ferrara ladder truck at the tune of almost $1,050,000. It was purchased to replace the aging ladder truck SLTFR had from 1982 and paid for with funds from California sales tax money devoted to public safety.

Sass Talk: It's ok to not go along, to just get along

This opinion piece has been updated.

Measure C failing even with majority of voters approving of a tax increase

10:55 PM Update - With all of the local precincts counted, it appears Measure C has failed. With a final tally of the precinct votes and some mail-ins received by 10:49 p.m., the "yes" votes totaled 54 percent, with the "no" votes getting 46 percent. The measure needed two-thirds to pass.

There may still be some late mail-ins to be counted and the vote has not been certified at this time.

Of the 9,889 registered voters, just 2215 ballots (22.4 percent) have been received tonight.

***

Tax increase to fix South Lake Tahoe roads to be determined Tuesday

South Lake Tahoe voters will be deciding the future of roads in the City when they determine the fate of Measure C on Tuesday, November 7, 2017.

Voters will decide if a one-half cent sales tax will be added in the town to provide approximately $2.5 million that will fix potholes and pave, repair, maintain local roads.

The following polling locations are established for the November 7, 2017 election:

Lake Tahoe Christian Fellowship, 3580 Blackwood

South Shore Christian Assembly 886 Glorene Avenue

Sass Talk: Measure C, VHRs, Champions Plaza and more!

Its election time and the only local issue is Measure C; an increase of one-half percent in local sales tax (excludes groceries and prescriptions) for a term of 15 years to fund road rehabilitation. I voted YES to the measure because there is no long term funding solution within the current budget or the foreseeable future. And, our roads are in terrible shape.

South Tahoe Now: Why Measure C is needed now

Many of South Lake Tahoe's roads are decades past their prime, and Measure C is in front of voters November 7 to increase taxes by one-half percent to pay for their maintenance and repair.

I support Measure C and let me tell you why, but it will have to start with a look back to see how we got here.

Letter: Vote Yes on Measure C

I never thought 20 years ago that SLT roads and pothole problems would still be a problem today, but it still is! Tahoe is a beautiful place, if you ignore the pothole problem. Finally we have a chance to do something. Measure C, a quarter percent sales tax, will replace another sales tax that is expiring, and that same money will be set aside for fixing our roads. The new measure will also mandate a citizens committee with legal clout to make sure this money is spent on roads. This is an amazing opportunity to get something done on our roads.

VOTE YES ON C.

- John Johnck, SLT

Letters: Yes on Measure C

I have lived in South Lake Tahoe for 37 years and hope to live in this amazing place for many more years to come. In that time I have not always been pleased with the way our City has spent its tax revenues, but, in the last several years, I believe there has been a concerted effort to control spending and to provide better oversight in the way these funds are used. That's why I am supporting Measure C.

Letter: Vote for Measure C

I’m voting for Measure C because South Lake Tahoe needs a reliable and transparent way to fund road maintenance and improvement. Last winter was illustration enough for me. After I hit a pothole on Pioneer Trail during a snowstorm, I had no other option than to spend $800 for new tires if I was going to drive my children to school and get to work. In the summer months, I watched as the asphalt wore down from thousands of tires coming in from out of town every week. As the tourists leave, we are left with cracks and splits and holes.

Two appointed to SLT Roads Management Authority, more applications sought

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Two local residents were appointed to the new Roads Management Authority Commission, but there are still three to five more members needed. At Tuesday's City Council meeting, MaryAnne Brand and Brent Goligoski were appointed to serve on the commission.

Only five applications were received and Brand and Goligoski were the only two of those to appear at the meeting.

"I am ready to vote on several of the applicants today,doesn’t preclude other applicants from staying in the applicant pool," said SLT Mayor Austin Sass.

Town Hall meeting in South Lake Tahoe to focus on Measure C

Event Date: 
October 18, 2017 - 6:00pm

Learn more about South Lake Tahoe's Measure C at the next Tahoe Regional Young Professional's Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, October 18 at the Tahoe Beach Retreat from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

This free event is open to the public and will also be available via Live Stream thanks to the Tahoe Production House.

The event is also co-hosted by Tahoe Chamber and South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce.

Sass Talk: VHRs, Martin Hollay and Yes on C

On Tuesday, a majority of city council agreed on a revised VHR (Vacation Home Rental) ordinance. In two weeks we will vote on the first reading of the ordinance and if a majority supports it, on November 7th would be the final vote to adopt the revised regulations and rules. The ordinance would then go into effect 30 days later.

Opinion: Why I'm voting "yes" on Measure C

When I ran for City Council, I ran on a platform of repairing and maintaining our local roads in South Lake Tahoe. I knew our community needed a solution to fix the dangerous potholes and cracks that endanger drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. After much planning and thought, I voted yes to place Measure C, a half-cent sales tax measure, on the November 7, 2017 ballot to fix our roads once and for all.

City seeking applications for Roads Management Authority Commission.

If Measure C is approved by the voters on November 7, the City of South Lake Tahoe will need to appoint five to seven people to the new Roads Management Authority Commission.

The City Council promised the community to establish the commission that would approve road projects annually from funds generated from the proposed one-half of one percent sales tax increase. All monies collected are guaranteed to go solely to roads as dictated by law.

City working with promoter to keep SnowGlobe in South Lake Tahoe

Is SnowGlobe an event that should stay in South Lake Tahoe?

The answer is "yes" according to the City Council, but exactly how the future working and financial relationships between the City and SnowGlobe will look still needs to be worked out.

Chad Donnelly, founder of SnowGlobe, made a presentation at the SLT City Council meeting Tuesday, outlining a plan to keep the annual December 29-31 music festival in the community.

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