Requesting a boost from the County Board of Supervisors

The Board of El Dorado Gold 1848 is all volunteer, with zero paid employees. The Board has been hands on volunteering their time and energy, and many times their own funds to bring the building at 515 Main Street alive for the community.

The County receives hotel Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) from tourism, to support tourism. We are an active group that individually have voluntarily worked over the years on this project and other venues that are enjoyed by the public and the government. Venues such as the Hangtown Christmas Parade, the Fountain and Tallman Museum, the El Dorado Western Railroad, Hangtown Days, the Car shows and much more… these venues are all self-supporting. The County spreads their TOT funds to many venues, but rarely to these non-profits… Since most on the Board of 1848, are also involved with these other venues, we were hoping that the County could give a hand up for a 3-year commitment to help us move ahead quicker on restoration efforts. So this is the request that I made at the Board of Supervisors on 6-11-2024 regarding BOS Agenda, Item 49.

I am Sue Taylor, President of El Dorado Gold 1848 a 501(c)3 non-profit that gratefully was able to purchase the old post office from the County.  Last year, 1848 spoke to your Board as part of Public Comment about the importance of 515 Main Street and 1848 programs.  Another year has gone by without a direct monetary contribution by the County towards our community facility's success.

We just completed a $1M California Museum Grant request. Therefore, we can meet whatever funding criteria that is required for public funds. For the 3rd year in a row you are funding Art & Culture El Dorado, $96,500. Which is next door to us at 525 Main St. We formally request a similar amount of $96,500 and would also sign a multiple year agreement.

Since 2000, we have shown our efforts being adopted by the community. Currently, with wonderful community volunteers, we have opened the Marilyn Ferguson Research Center and Library, and are preparing to open the George Wheeldon Gem and Mineral Exhibit and the Old Post Office Museum.

Also, Supervisor Turnboo donated a Studebaker buggy [was corrected – it’s a medicine wagon] which will be displayed in the building - above the floor. We want to bring this building alive for the public.  It seems logical that 1848 be favorably treated in the 2024-2025 Budget.  With Capital improvements our goal beyond restoring this building, is to not only be self-supporting, but to also assist in restoration of other historical resources in our county.

So, we would like to see on #3.  “The Chief Administrative Office will return to the Board in September after the Fiscal Year 2023-24 financial records have closed with the recommended revisions including for the $96,500 for Art and Culture El Dorado and $96,500 for El Dorado Gold 1848.”