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Board waives repayment of $750,000 TOT to shore up Tahoe Basin ambulance service
Summary
The El Dorado County Board unanimously approved a resolution waiving repayment of a $750,000 discretionary transient occupancy tax contribution to County Service Area 3 to stabilize ambulance services in South Lake Tahoe, and directed staff to study longer-term cost-sharing and fee changes.
The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a resolution finding that requiring repayment of a $750,000 contribution from discretionary transient occupancy tax (TOT) to County Service Area 3 (CSA 3) would create economic hardship and waived repayment in full.
County staff said the contribution, approved in the current-year budget to support ambulance services in the Lake Tahoe Basin, could legally be interpreted as a loan under state law. Emma Owens, a staff member in the chief administrative office, told the board staff brought the waiver forward "in an abundance of caution" to remove ambiguity and ensure continued emergency medical services in the Tahoe area.
Why it matters: Supervisors and members of the public said the contribution reflects a tourism-related impact in the Basin, especially during winter ski seasons when ambulance call volume rises. Supervisors asked staff to pursue follow-up work on sustainable funding for the service, including a fee study and outreach to city partners about cost-sharing.
Board discussion and public input focused on the origin of the funding, the service model used by the Cal Tahoe Joint Powers Authority (JPA), and the sustainability of the ambulance system. Supervisor Laney summarized the Basin need, saying the three ski resorts are all located in the county and that winter demand drives much of the system pressure. Ryan Wagner, executive director of the Cal Tahoe JPA, said he appreciated the board “closing the loop” and offered to participate in follow-up conversations.
Auditor comments and next steps: The county auditor had suggested exploring contributions from cities that share responsibility for EMS costs; the board asked staff or the EMS ad hoc to pursue that work. Staff reported a fee study already underway and said the county has implemented billing improvements that have partially narrowed funding gaps.
Outcome: The board voted 5-0 to adopt the resolution waiving repayment of the $750,000 contribution to CSA 3. Supervisors also directed staff to pursue the fee study and to explore whether cities should share costs.
For residents: County staff said they will return with the fee-study results and any proposed city cost-sharing options. The waiver simply removes the procedural ambiguity and does not create a new funding obligation.
