TRPA budget woes

For Release Immediately December 4, 2008

TRPA CUTS COSTS, STREAMLINES OPERATIONS IN ECONOMIC DOWNTURN

Lake Tahoe, Stateline , NV – Because of declining revenue and deepening budget constraints, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency is taking a number of measures to cut costs and streamline its operations, Agency officials said today.

Additional belt-tightening measures may be taken in coming months, depending on how the continuing economic downturn unfolds. Because of project application fee decreases and other budget impacts, the Agency is taking a hard look at all expenses and overall operations.

“We are certainly not immune from the effects of the current economic crisis and are facing some of the same dire circumstances as our local government partners,” said John Singlaub , Executive Director. “We are committed to weathering these tough times with minimal impact on our efforts to protect and restore Lake Tahoe .”

The following measures have already been implemented by TRPA:

Beginning in January 2009, all public meetings will be re-scheduled to the Stateline office to reduce meeting location costs.

Hiring freezes and internal job restructuring.

Operational efficiencies and cost reductions in information technology and office expenditures.

Training, travel and salary increase freezes.

The Agency is also considering more difficult choices:

Staff furloughs and associated office closures one day each month for the foreseeable future.

Job sharing and work reduction.

Closure of the north shore satellite office in Tahoe City .

“We hope the community will understand that public service is an integral component of our mission and we regret any impacts to this area,” Singlaub said. “By moving board and planning commission meetings to our main office, we recognize the additional distance imposed on community members who participate but we simply can’t afford the extra facilities costs unless budget conditions improve,” he said.

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency cooperatively leads the effort to preserve, restore, and enhance the unique natural and human environment of the Lake Tahoe Region now and in the future. For additional information, call Dennis Oliver at 775-589-5235, or email doliver@trpa.org .

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