Earlier this year, the board had voted to give $30,000 to KPFZ/Lake County Community Radio to match a federal grant of more than $90,000, as Lake County News previously reported.
The station is in the final process of getting on the air at full power at 88.1 FM.
The funds were budgeted by the county this summer, with Tuesday's vote the final step before disbursing the money.
Linda Guebert, KPFZ's vice president, gave the board a report on the radio station's progress.
Since the county agreed to give the station the funds, Guebert said the station had a contract for placement of its antenna on top of Mt. Konocti.
“The antenna is installed and we are currently installing the transmitter,” said Guebert.
Board Chair Jeff Smith said he thought the $30,000 figure was the ceiling, and that the amount might have been less due to the radio station's fundraising efforts.
Guebert said the station has had ongoing fundraising activity in the community. Station representatives also met with the City of Lakeport. “At the present time they say they have no funds available.”
Supervisor Ed Robey asked her how much money the station has raised from other sources. Guebert estimated it was between $30,000 and $40,000 overall.
“Fundraising is ongoing with an organization like this,” said Guebert.
The station also has underwriters lined up to offer financial support going forward, Guebert added.
Supervisor Denise Rushing asked County Counsel Anita Grant if it would be appropriate to include in the funding agreement guidelines for what the county might receive for the funds, including air time.
“It seems like they would have to do that anyway,” said county Chief Administrative Officer Kelly Cox.
Grant said language could be included that the county would receive a certain number of hours in return. Cox added that during a previous funding discussion with the board the station encouraged the county to take advantage of its services.
Supervisor Anthony Farrington said he received calls from community members with more conservative viewpoints who believe the station is too left-leaning. Guebert read the station's mission statement, which emphasizes representing the views of the entire community. She encouraged anyone interested in being on the station to get involved and sign up for a show.
Guebert said the station has a deadline to be on the air in late April 2008; if they don't meet that goal, the Federal Communications Commission will pull the station's permit.
“It’s a crisis time for us right now,” she said.
The situation hasn't been helped by unexpected costs, such as expensive equipment replacement, said Guebert.
Guebert told the board that if the station doesn't go on the air, it would have to pay back the county's $30,000.
Station volunteer Taira St. John told the board during public comment that the station's transition to high power “is highly significant.”
Lake County Community Radio's story is a “magical” one, St. John added.
Guebert said when the station goes on the air at full power, it will broadcast at 100 watts, and then will apply to go up to 500 watts.
“I think you all should be commended for your diligence and hard work,” said Robey.
The board voted 5-0 to approve the agreement with the station for the $30,000 grant.
Hospice Services of Lake County also was scheduled to go to the board to finalize an agreement for $50,000 for a feasibility study that will help the group design a new facility.
However, Hospice Services representatives were not able to attend and the board decided to hold the item over until its next meeting on Jan. 8 in order to seek more information on Hospice's plan.
E-mail Elizabeth Larson at
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