Humboldt supervisors approve LAZ Parking contract, citing modern payment systems and revenue potential at ACV

The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 on Jan. 14 to approve a parking revenue management contract with LAZ Parking of California for the Arcata-Eureka (ACV) airport, following staff presentations that tied the contract to an ongoing lot reconstruction project.

County staff told the board the parking reconstruction is about 87% complete and the parking lot itself about 96% complete. Karen Clauer, assistant county administrator officer and interim aviation director, said, "the proposed parking management system aligns with the airport's modernization goals, optimizes revenue potential, alleviates operational burdens on limited staff." The item passed after public comment and board discussion.

The vendor contract was described as complementary to the March 2024 parking-lot reconstruction (about $7,036,000 funded by FAA CARES Act dollars). Staff said remaining work includes PG&E switchgear and electric vehicle charging stations expected later in the year and an overflow lot due the following month. The management system recommended for approval would add modern payment options (credit cards, Apple Pay, app-based payments), kiosks, on-site personnel during peak hours, and a 24/7 call center.

Staff estimated gross annual parking receipts could reach about $1.1 million under the new system. County revenue share in the contract is tiered: 65% up to $200,000, rising in steps (75% between $200,000 and $400,000; 80% between $400,000 and $600,000) and reaching 90% after annual gross receipts exceed $600,000. Cassie, a county staff member who explained the contract tiers, said the county expects to exceed the $600,000 threshold and therefore receive higher shares later in the fiscal year.

Supervisors asked whether the county could bring parking management in-house at the end of the contract term and whether staffing could be cheaper than the vendor arrangement. County staff said bringing operations in-house after the contract expires could be considered, but current staffing constraints make vendor management the most cost-effective near-term solution.

Public commenters and board members praised the finished lot's appearance and accessibility improvements. One audience member, identifying herself as executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the North Coast, encouraged the county to seek community benefits from the vendor's charitable programs during contract negotiations.

The board recorded the vote as: Supervisor Bone: yes; Supervisor Arroyo: yes; Supervisor Wilson: yes; Supervisor Madrone: yes; Chair Bushnell: yes. The motion carried 5-0.