North Tahoe Public Utilities District and Laulima Development LLC are starting lease agreement talks for the company to operate and maintain the North Tahoe Event Center in Kings Beach.

Three groups initially sought to operate the lakefront entity. The board chose Laulima as the preferred operator.

A primary goal of the district’s is to seek financial solvency for the recreation and parks department. One idea was to explore the potential of a public-private partnership to operate and maintain the North Tahoe Event Center. The center has consistently operated at an annual operating deficit averaging $90,000 over the last 10 years. An additional $80,000 a year is needed to be set aside for deferred maintenance, which also hasn’t been achieved.

Maintaining access and affordability to the community is an element of the agreement with Laulima and will also be included in lease negotiations.