Cost to rent space at LTCC expected to go up

By Kathryn Reed

It’s likely to cost a bit more for agencies and nonprofits to use various rooms at Lake Tahoe Community College.

The idea is to have the cost better reflect the time and expense of college employees who are involved in getting rooms ready, cleanup, and wear and tear on equipment. It’s not about making money.

The board didn’t take any action Tuesday night. The College Council still needs to review the matter.

Philosophical issues were brought up – such as should a fee be charged when the South Lake Tahoe institution is used by for-profit entities like insurance companies did during the 2007 Angora Fire.

If service clubs give scholarships to the college or money in some other form, should they be given a discount? It was one of a few questions board members discussed without any definitive resolution.

Board members also mentioned how the same amount of work is involved by staff if it’s a for-profit or nonprofit renting space and equipment.

The proposal calls for hourly rates, which is already on the books, though most rooms (except for the theater) have come with a flat fee. Charging a fee if an organization wants to change things after a certain date is likely to be implemented.

Some of the ideas are to charge $40/hour for the board room instead of $10; $30 per day for a section of the parking lot instead of $15; and doubling the commons fee to $50/hour.

“These numbers are so low I can’t figure out where someone would go for this price and this kind of place,” board member Karen Borges said.

The education foundation handles the garden-amphitheater when it comes to renting that area.

In other action:

• Cynthea Preston, dean of instruction, gave the board an update on the Nursing Assistant Training Program. This is a feeder program for jobs at Barton Memorial Hospital. Often more than 50 people apply for the 10 instructional spots.