Board of Supervisors Tues Mtg 09-01-2026 · Quagga Mussel Prevention Program

The County of Lake Board of Supervisors held a meeting on September 1, 2026, to discuss proposed fee increases for the Quagga Mussel Prevention Program. Staff presented the need to raise sticker fees from the current $20 to as high as $60 to $80 to achieve financial sustainability, as the program has historically relied heavily on fluctuating grant funding which has been decreasing. They also proposed implementing a special event lake access permit fee, particularly targeting fishing tournaments, to cover inspection and enforcement costs. Board members expressed concerns about the steep fee increases, potential impacts on local residents and tourism, and the need for a more gradual fee increase approach. They emphasized the importance of maintaining free decontamination services and suggested exploring partnerships and alternative funding sources such as cannabis tax revenues. The board directed staff to conduct further outreach, develop a long-term sustainable funding plan, and return with options for fee adjustments and program improvements, including the potential deployment of decontamination stations. No final fee increases were approved at this meeting.