South Lake Tahoe, CA… City Council approved several new programs this week aimed at helping those in need and local businesses get through the pandemic.

Today, Council approved $100,000 for restaurants to purchase to-go containers and other items necessary for take-out and delivery services. Right now, restaurants are only open for take-out and delivery due to the state’s Stay-At-Home order. Council also made clear the to-go containers must be compliant with city ordinances meaning no polystyrene and no plastic bags.

“Most of our businesses are using compostable to-go containers and utensils, but we know these things are going to be essential for them to survive the pandemic,” said Mayor Tamara Wallace, “We can be environmentally conscious and help our businesses keep moving forward.”

Before the latest lockdown, restaurants were running short on propane for outdoor heaters and fire pits. City Council also approved the use of funds to develop a City-run propane refilling site located at the City’s Recreation Center. When they can reopen for outdoor dining, businesses will be able to acquire propane from this site at a low cost.

“We are trying to think outside of the box here and address the needs we are seeing here on the ground in South Lake Tahoe,” said City Manager Joe Irvin, “These new programs are just one more way we are helping
to make sure people stay safe and our businesses stay afloat.”

Council also approved $10,000 to support the Family Resource Center’s involvement in the “Pay It Forward” initiative. That initiative is a locally organized effort to support restaurants and families in need.

“It’s important not only to help our local restaurants but also to help the helpers,” said Wallace, “We’ve seen so much good happening in this community since the beginning of the pandemic. This was our chance to give back to an organization giving so much to South Lake Tahoe.”

City Council also announced plans to bring back even more programs to help small businesses in our area at their January 2021 meeting.

TAKE OUT REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM DETAILS:

WHAT’S REIMBURSABLE: Compostable or reusable to-go containers/boxes, utensils, reusable plastic bags, and paper bags. Click here for more eco-friendly disposables.

WHAT’S NOT REIMBURSABLE- Any polystyrene (styrofoam) or non-reusable plastic bags or utensils.

WHAT DO WE NEED FROM RESTAURANTS- Itemized receipt and pictures (sent as an attachment not embedded in the email) proving that your purchases are within the program guidelines. Send these items to recovery@cityofslt.us.

ACTION- After a review of submitted documentation, the City will reimburse the restaurant for 1/2 of their purchase up to $5,000.