LAKEPORT, Calif. – Following a brief public hearing on Tuesday morning, the Board of Supervisors granted to the new Middletown Cab Co. a certificate of public conveyance and approval of its permit application.

Uriah Murray applied to the county for the certificate and permit in February, according to county documents.

County Administrative Officer Matt Perry explained that county code requires that anyone operating a taxicab or other public transportation vehicle must apply to the Board of Supervisors for a certificate of public convenience and necessity.

Specifically, Article IX of Chapter 19 of the Lake County Code requires that the board declare certain specified conditions exist before granting the certificate, according to Perry.

The conditions required by county code include: that the applicant is financially responsible and the applicant and/or its officers are of good moral character; that the person holding permits or licenses for the operation of motor vehicles for hire are under experienced and efficient management earning a fair and reasonable return of their capital devoted to such service; and that the applicant has complied with the provisions of all county, state and federal laws applicable to the proposed operation.

Perry said the applicant had gone through the Lake County Sheriff's Office's Live Scan background check.

“This is an evidentiary hearing,” explained County Counsel Anita Grant.

Supervisor Rob Brown said he was puzzled about why the matter was being brought to the board.

“I don't know why we're doing this,” said Brown, adding that he resented that the county government can tell a private business why or why it can't operate. He said he wanted to get rid of the rule.

Board Chair Anthony Farrington said he found it analogous to the board's approval of other permits, including ambulance services.

“This ordinance hearkens back to 1965,” said Grant, explaining that it's had only minor changes since then.

She said the board could give direction to staff to revise the ordinance, adding that the ordinance's goal is to make sure taxi drivers are operating correctly and are of good character.

Supervisor Jim Steele said taxicabs have been a special area of vulnerability and a problem around the state.

Murray, who is an Oregon native, told the board that his family has deep roots in California and in Lake County.

“It's good to be a part of the history here in Lake County,” said Murray.

Murray said people have been very receptive to his new business. “Every day is a new adventure.”

The business isn't yet “monetarily rewarding,” he said, but added that no other cabs are serving the Cobb, Hidden Valley Lake and Middletown area, which is the void he's trying to fill. He said Riley's Cab has been supportive and has sent him business.

Farrington said people take cab services for granted, and don't understand the importance of the service.

The board unanimously approved Murray's request, and also reached consensus to have county staff bring the ordinance regarding cab permitting back for further discussion.

Brown said the California Public Utilities Commission already regulates some services like trucking and tow truck companies. Farrington said he wanted to know about the county's discretion in the matter.

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