The Lassen County Board of Supervisors split evenly on a proposal to grant a $40 per meeting stipend to members of the Lassen County Fair Advisory Board. The vote ended 2-2, preventing the stipend from passing.
Fair Manager Bill Payer explained the advisory board, created in 1978, has never received any stipend. Supervisors Mike Scanlan and Gary Bridge supported the $40 amount. Scanlan called it a modest start and a way to recognize the board’s work without creating a gift of public funds. He said the stipend could be adjusted later.
Supervisor Aaron Albaugh took part in the discussion but recused himself before the vote because his wife serves on the advisory board. He emphasized the board members volunteer their time and that the role is not meant for financial gain.
Opposing supervisors Jason Ingram and Tom Neely felt the proposed stipend was too low. Ingram suggested $80 per meeting and argued board members should also be reimbursed for mileage. He pointed out the stipend would only cover advisory meetings, not the many other events and volunteer hours board members contribute during the fair.
Neely proposed paying $100 per meeting. When asked about the time commitment, Payer said it varies widely. Some members put in 10 hours monthly, while others spend 40 to 50 hours or more, especially during the fair week.
This deadlock raises questions about how best to support volunteers who dedicate significant time to community events. How might the county fairly compensate their efforts without overstepping budget limits? What value do you place on volunteer service in local government settings?
