PEG board details budget, mobile AV plans and equipment needs; seeks operational support

Clearlake — Bruno Sabatier presented the PEG (public education and government) board’s annual report, outlining current revenues and expenses, capital plans and new initiatives to broaden access to local government programming.

Sabatier said the board's operating revenue is about $32,500 and operating expenses are roughly $33,000, leaving a small operating shortfall covered by rollover from prior years. Major revenue sources cited: an $8,000 in‑kind contribution from Clearlake (facility/studio space and related support), $2,000 from Lakeport and $15,000 from Lake County. Capital pass‑through receipts were cited at approximately $58,250; Sabatier said the capital account balance was near $300,000 but acknowledged a February correction showing a lower month-end balance ($270,000).

Planned equipment purchases include about $64,938 in AV gear. Sabatier and station manager Thomas DeWalt described a mobile AV unit, funded in part by a county contract for up to $10,000, intended to record and/or stream municipal advisory council meetings to a broader audience. Sabatier said the board wants to expand programming with schools and nonprofit partners and to improve underwriting and marketing for underwriting revenue.

Council members asked about marketing and use of the funds; Sabatier said the board has not consistently marketed underwriting and will prioritize content development to attract underwriters.

Next steps: the PEG board will continue procuring equipment, activate Lakeport connectivity when technical issues are resolved and recruit new board members for vacant seats.