The items in question were the $331,422 agreement with the Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce to operate the Mariposa Visitors Center and the second item of providing $500,000 to the Yosemite/Mariposa County Tourism Bureau for marketing purposes.
On the agreement with the Chamber, Supervisor Long said if we are trying to encourage visitors during the shoulder season from December through February why is the Mariposa Visitor Center only open six days a week? He
said the Visitor Center should be open seven days a week. Mariposa Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board, Karen Cutter said in looking at the stats that they are busy all year long and staffing is an issue. If the Board wants the center open seven days a week all year the Chamber of Commerce will look into it. Supervisor Long requested to have a future discussion about staffing the Mariposa Visitors Center all year. Mariposa County CAO Mary Hodson will bring back before the Supervisors financials on how much more money would be required to keep the Visitors Center open seven days a week all year.The contract was approved 4-0 with Supervisor Kevin Cann excused.
On funding for the Yosemite/Mariposa County Tourism Bureau Supervisor Long said he is possibly looking at the Bureau to increase their TBID so the Bureau does not have to come back before the Board for funding. Supervisor Long said it is unfair for the Bureau to have to come beg before the Supervisors every year. He would also like a discussion with the Yosemite/Mariposa County Tourism Bureau Board about funding the Bureau.
District 2 Supervisor Merlin Jones agreed with having a discussion with the Tourism Board.
The contract was approved 4-0 with Supervisor Kevin Cann excused.
