RV park owner raises concerns about proposed public-safety fee and bill collection method

During the public-comment period, Michael Zulau, owner of On Call Golf and RV Park, urged the council to reconsider or clarify a proposed public-safety fee, saying the charge will amount to roughly $8,800 a year for his business and that the drive-in theater could face an estimated $50,000 annual impact. Zulau said the fee notice he received lacked adequate explanation and that customers already face rising costs for insurance, utilities and other rates. Zulau also reported confusion about who will collect the fee; he said he had seen internet posts indicating Lewis County Electric would collect the fee on electric bills. Council staff responded that the fee is not collected by the electric utility and encouraged Zulau to schedule a meeting with staff, including Chief Mills and finance staff, to audit his account and resolve any billing errors or misunderstandings. Councilors and staff offered to review Zulau's account and follow up; staff suggested an appointment with finance staff to verify the calculation of fees and whether any charges were applied in error. Zulau said he would like clarity before any ballot or final decision and noted that additional impact fees and utility charges could make development and operation of housing lots financially difficult. No action was taken at the meeting on the public-safety fee; staff agreed to meet with the business owner to review the specific charges.