El Dorado County Grand Jury
• 2023-2024
• Agency Response
El Dorado County Board of Supervisors Response to the
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 4 findings
F1
Page 2
The BOS is currently following the TOT Measure’s intent for the use of revenues/funds. Budget Resolution Number 063-2022 clarifies that TOT funds utilized by the BOS are the same as Sales and Property tax, meaning that the BOS has 100% discretionary authority to allocate TOT funds. The Board of Supervisors agrees with the finding.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
Page 3
The BOS should develop and implement a plan by January 1, 2025, to improve the transparency of the TOT funds request and allocation process, such as a TOT page on their website or a media campaign to alleviate public perception of misuse of funds. The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted. As noted in the response to Finding 2, all decisions on which entities may request funding and which entities will receive funding are made by the Board at public meetings.
F2
Page 2
There is no formal or consistent process for the various chambers or groups to request TOT funds, or transparency on how decisions are made to allocate funds. The Board of Supervisors disagrees partially with the finding. There is no policy outlining a formal process for any group to request TOT funds from the County; however, the Board provides direction to staff at a public meeting with regard to which agencies should be considered for funding and the decisions to allocate funds are made by the Board at public meetings based on staff reports that are available to the public in advance of those meetings.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
Page 3
To clarify that the funds are discretionary, Board Policy B-16 (see Appendix) should be updated in the latest CAO Budget Book, and everywhere else relevant, to properly set public expectations and reduce controversy. The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted. Policy B-16 already refers to the TOT exclusive of the voter-approved Tahoe-area specific revenue as “Discretionary Transient Occupancy Tax.” The Board reviews Policy B-16 annually as part of the Recommended Budget process and may recommend changes at any time; however, Policy B-16 as currently written reflects the Board’s current intent for the allocation of the Discretionary TOT.
F3
Page 2
There is no compliance process to ensure the collection of all TOT revenues from short- term rental companies like Airbnb. The Treasurer-Tax Collector oversees this function and will respond independently as an
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
Page 3
The County Tax Collector should implement a compliance plan to ensure that all TOT taxes are identified and collected.
F4
Page 3
The definition of ‘tourism and economic development’ is vague to the public and the source of misperception. The Board of Supervisors agrees with the finding.
No recommendations for this finding