AGENDA DATE: 4/15/2026
TITLE:
Public Hearing to Amend County Code Chapter 1, Article 5 (Fee Schedule)
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Conduct a public hearing to consider proposed amendments to the County Code Fee Schedule (Chapter 1, Article 5)
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Wall, Herrick, Tevendale, Bowman, Svoboda
PRESENTER (S): Andy Bowman, Bart Svoboda
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: In Fall 2023, staff presented a comprehensive Fee Study prepared by the Berkley Group (Attachment A). The study examined the County’s existing fee structure, compared it to those of seven peer localities, and identified best practices. The consultant recommended periodic fee adjustments linked to inflation, salary changes, or other predictable market factors to maintain transparency and keep pace with economic conditions.
The most recent update to the fee schedule was adopted on December 6, 2023. That update was cost-neutral and focused on consolidating fee categories, consistent with the Berkley Group’s recommendations. Before that, the cost-of-service-based fee increase occurred as part of the FY 2022 budget.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Quality Government Operations - Ensure County government’s capacity to provide high quality service that achieves community priorities.
DISCUSSION: The proposed amendments to Chapter 1, Article 5 are consistent with the Board’s adopted Financial Management Policies. Revenue Policy 10(E) directs the County to impose user fees for specialized County services, when appropriate, based on the benefits or privileges provided or the cost of delivering those services. Fees should support the recovery of operational and capital debt service costs, consider equitable access, and be reviewed at least every three years.
BUDGET IMPACT: The proposed changes reflect cost-of-service increases since FY 2022, consistent with Revenue Policy 10(E). If adopted, the revised fees would take effect January 1, 2027. Six months of revenue under the updated structure is estimated to generate approximately $265,000 in additional revenue for the Community Development Department. This update is incorporated into the FY 27 Recommended Budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Board adopt the Ordinance (Attachment B) amending Chapter 1, Article 5 of the County Code (Fee Schedule).
ATTACHMENTS:
A - CDD Fee Study (Berkley Group)
B - Proposed Ordinance: Chapter 1, Article 5 (Fee Schedule)