Time Set # 51.
Board of Supervisors
- Meeting Date:
- 12/03/2024
- Brief Title
- 2024-25 Master Fee Update
From:
Tom Haynes, Chief Financial Officer, Department of Financial Services
Staff Contact:
KauXue Thao, Financial Services Analyst, Department of Financial Services, x4422
Supervisorial District Impact:
Countywide
Subject
Hold a public hearing, adopt 2024-25 Master Fee Resolution, and approve changes to the Yolo County Master Fee Schedule for the Department of Agriculture, Assessor/Clerk-Recorder/Elections, Community Services, General Services, and Sheriff. (General fund revenue impact: $86,435) (Haynes/Thao) (Est. Time: 10 min)
Recommended Action
- Hold a public hearing;
- Adopt 2024-25 Master Fee Resolution (Attachment A) and approve changes to the Yolo County Master Fee Schedule for the Department of Agriculture, Assessor/Clerk-Recorder/Elections, Community Services, General Services, and Sheriff; and
- Approve the proposed fee changes in Exhibit 1 to the 2024-25 Master Fee Resolution.
Strategic Plan Goal(s)
 |
In Support of All Goals (Internal Departments Only) |
Reason for Recommended Action/Background
This item presents the proposed update to the Master Fee Resolution for fiscal year 2024-25, incorporating fee changes for the Department of Agriculture, Assessor/Clerk Recorder/Elections, Community Services, General Services and Sheriff.
The Master Fee Resolution, first adopted by the Board of Supervisors in 1991, includes an estimated 1,350 fees and charges for services provided by County departments. The use of a single resolution and integrated fee schedule provides for a systematic review of County fees and allows for necessary adjustments to reflect changing service delivery costs. The Master Fee Schedule was last updated on June 25, 2024. The sections below describe in further detail the proposed fee changes in the 2024-25 Master Fee Resolution.
Agriculture
The Yolo County Department of Agriculture – Weights and Measures proposes an increase to a variety of fees charged on an hourly basis based on revised calculations performed by MGT Consultants. MGT Consulting was hired to conduct a fee study for various department fees including the Agriculture Department. Upon the conclusion of the fee study, the revised hourly fee calculated for Agriculture was determined to be $160, an increase of $37 from the current hourly fee of $123/hr. After consulting with the Yolo County Department of Financial Services it was agreed the recommended rate would cause a burden to the clients and businesses utilizing the departments services. As such, the department is proposing an incremental increase of approximately 14%, or $17/hr, to $140/hr. If approved, the department estimates an increase in revenues of $7,400. This fee was last increased in 2018 and affects thirteen individual fees:
The Master Fee Resolution, first adopted by the Board of Supervisors in 1991, includes an estimated 1,350 fees and charges for services provided by County departments. The use of a single resolution and integrated fee schedule provides for a systematic review of County fees and allows for necessary adjustments to reflect changing service delivery costs. The Master Fee Schedule was last updated on June 25, 2024. The sections below describe in further detail the proposed fee changes in the 2024-25 Master Fee Resolution.
Agriculture
The Yolo County Department of Agriculture – Weights and Measures proposes an increase to a variety of fees charged on an hourly basis based on revised calculations performed by MGT Consultants. MGT Consulting was hired to conduct a fee study for various department fees including the Agriculture Department. Upon the conclusion of the fee study, the revised hourly fee calculated for Agriculture was determined to be $160, an increase of $37 from the current hourly fee of $123/hr. After consulting with the Yolo County Department of Financial Services it was agreed the recommended rate would cause a burden to the clients and businesses utilizing the departments services. As such, the department is proposing an incremental increase of approximately 14%, or $17/hr, to $140/hr. If approved, the department estimates an increase in revenues of $7,400. This fee was last increased in 2018 and affects thirteen individual fees:
| Fee | Current Amount | Proposed Amount |
| Direct Marketing Certification-Farmers Market | $123 per hour | $140 per hour |
| Direct Marketing Certification-Producers | $123 per hour | $140 per hour |
| Fruit, Nut, Vegetable Inspection | $123 per hour | $140 per hour |
| Industrial Hemp Crop Destruction | $123 per hour | $140 per hour |
| Industrial Hemp Inspection/Document Review | $123 per hour | $140 per hour |
| Industrial Hemp Sampling | $123 per hour | $140 per hour |
| Apiary (Bee) Inspection/Certification | $123 per hour | $140 per hour |
| Document Associated Paperwork Review | $123 per hour | $140 per hour |
| Site Inspection Fee | $123 per hour | $140 per hour |
| Hot Water Treatment for Nematodes | $123 per hour | $140 per hour |
| Seed Service Sample | $123 per hour | $140 per hour |
| Special Phytosanitary Inspection for Certification | $123 per hour | $140 per hour |
| Weed Free Forage | $123 per hour | $140 per hour |
The department is also proposing deletion of two fees: Information Request Fee and Certificate for Pest Condition or Treatment. With the guidance of County Counsel, the Information Request Fee is no longer being charged as it is very minimal and requires simple queries only. The Pest Condition/Treatment Certificate entails providing pest eradication services for a grower, and this has never been charged. The department does not foresee performing these services in the future.
Proposed revisions to Weights and Measure fees were based on the uniform of schedule of fees required by California Business and Professions Code §12210.5. These fees are related to inspections completed by the department regarding any weighing or measuring devices or instruments used commercially. The department is proposing eight (8) fee revisions and if approved, will generate an increase in revenue of $501. The fees consist of:
Proposed revisions to Weights and Measure fees were based on the uniform of schedule of fees required by California Business and Professions Code §12210.5. These fees are related to inspections completed by the department regarding any weighing or measuring devices or instruments used commercially. The department is proposing eight (8) fee revisions and if approved, will generate an increase in revenue of $501. The fees consist of:
| Fee | Current Amount | Proposed Amount |
| Commercial - All Other Devices | $123 per hour plus $1.50 per mile | $125 per hr plus $1.07 per mile |
| Commercial - LPG Meters | $125 per hour plus $1.00 per mile | $125 plus $108 per hour travel time |
| Commercial - Retail Motor Fuel Dispensers/Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Dispenser | $123 per hour plus $1.00 per mile | $100 per hour plus $1.18 per mile |
| Commercial - Scales Large (over 5,000 lb capactiy) | $135 per hour plus $165 trip fee | $145 per hour, plus $350 trip fee |
| Commercial - Scales Medium (50- 5,000 lb capactiy) | $125 per hour plus, $1.50 per mile | $140 per hour plus $1.88 per mile |
| Commercial - Scales Small (0- 50 lb capactiy) | $123 per hour plus $1.50 per mile | $145 per hour plus $1.17 per mile |
| Commercial - Wholesale Petroleum Meters | $123 per hour plus $1.00 per mile | $150 per hour plus $1.07 per mile |
| Device Inspection Technician at the request of owner/user | $123 per hour | $140 per hour |
Assessor/Clerk-Recorder/Elections (ACE)
The Assessor/Clerk-Recorder/Elections (ACE) Department is proposing an increase to four (4) fees in the Clerk-Recorder branch. Additionally, ACE has also participated in the multi-departmental fee study facilitated by MGT Consulting and will be proposing updates to several Assessor and Elections branch fees following the conclusion of that study.
Clerk-Recorder
The four (4) fee updates in the Clerk-Recorder branch of ACE are related to environmental document filing fees and are mandated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The changes are spelled out below.
The Assessor/Clerk-Recorder/Elections (ACE) Department is proposing an increase to four (4) fees in the Clerk-Recorder branch. Additionally, ACE has also participated in the multi-departmental fee study facilitated by MGT Consulting and will be proposing updates to several Assessor and Elections branch fees following the conclusion of that study.
Clerk-Recorder
The four (4) fee updates in the Clerk-Recorder branch of ACE are related to environmental document filing fees and are mandated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The changes are spelled out below.
| Fee | Current Amount | Proposed Amount |
| Negative Declaration | $2,916.75 per document | $2,968.75 per document |
| Mitigated Negative Declaration | $2,916.75 per document | $2,968.75 per document |
| Environmental Impact Report | $4,051.25 per document | $4,123.50 per document |
| Environmental Document pursuant to a Certified Regulatory Program | $1,377.25 per document | $1,401.75 per document |
Assessor & Elections
All fees updated in the Assessor and Elections branches are based on guidance and procedures from MGT Consulting. If approved, the department anticipates an increase in revenue of approximately $1,100.
Revised Fees (13)
All fees updated in the Assessor and Elections branches are based on guidance and procedures from MGT Consulting. If approved, the department anticipates an increase in revenue of approximately $1,100.
Revised Fees (13)
| Fee | Current Amount | Proposed Amount |
| Computer Generated Reports | $200 each | $150 each |
| Radius Search (Labels 150 or less) | $68 per report | $90 per report |
| Tax Rate Area Report (1-36 areas) | $545 per report | $230 per report |
| E-mail Assessor Document | $1.75 per document | $4 per document |
| Photocopies - First Page of Document | $2.25 per page | $5 per page |
| Sales List for Appeals | $13.50 for use | $50 for use |
| Records Search | $136 per hour (billed in 15-minute increments) | $123 per hour (billed in 15-minute increments, 15 |
| Computer Tape Sale | $130 per tape | $70 per tape |
| Labels | $0.02 per label + $10 set-up | $60 per setup + $0.02 per label |
| Precinct Maps | $6 each | $50 each |
| Research of Records | $30 per hour (1/2 hour minimum) | $65 per hour (1/2 hour minimum) |
| Vote Recount Computer | $1,100 per day or fraction | actual cost |
| Vote Recount Hand Count | $900 per day | actual cost |
Deleted Fees (3)
Three (3) fees are recommended for removal either because they are no longer charged or were consolidated with another current fee. Such fees are:
· Radius Search (Labels over 150)
· Postage for Copies of Records (per 10-item group)
· Postage for Photocopies (per 10-item group)
Community Services
Planning Division and Public Works Division
In 2021, the Department of Community Services engaged Wohlford Consulting, a fee consultant, to conduct an objective analysis of the full costs incurred in support of the Planning and Engineering services for which the County charges user fees. To ensure accuracy and establish a clear nexus between the cost of services and the fees, the study required a detailed analysis of time required for staff to provide each component of service delivery. The thirty-eight fee revisions were submitted for the December 3, 2024 Master Fee update and is the fourth year of implementation.
The Planning and Public Works divisions notified customers of the proposed fee changes with email distribution lists to customers who have used our services over the last 18 months, as well as posted printed copies at the front desk for potential customers.
Planning
With deposit fees, applicants pay a deposit at the time of application, and costs (including staff time and consultant costs) are charged based on actual cost. If the amount on deposit gets depleted the applicant will be asked to submit additional funds on deposit. Any remaining funds will be refunded to the applicant after project approval or when the project is withdrawn. As a result, there is no real change in the cost to applicants.
Flat rate fees are fees that apply a single fixed fee for service. The Planning division’s actual cost of service are generally much higher than the current adopted fees for flat rate fees, necessitating an increase. However, the Yolo County procedure for Incremental Fee Increases which accompanies the County of Yolo Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual, Policy on Cost Recovery and Fees encourages a smoothing affect to make large fee increases over time, so the fee payor is not unduly burdened. Therefore, staff proposes a five-year gradual step increase plan for flat rates. In some cases, the percentage increase is quite high. However, the actual dollar amount is low.
In addition, the table below depicts the proposed fee changes for fourteen Board of Supervisors fees under Planning Division. If approved, the division estimates an increase in revenues of $32,770.
Three (3) fees are recommended for removal either because they are no longer charged or were consolidated with another current fee. Such fees are:
· Radius Search (Labels over 150)
· Postage for Copies of Records (per 10-item group)
· Postage for Photocopies (per 10-item group)
Community Services
Planning Division and Public Works Division
In 2021, the Department of Community Services engaged Wohlford Consulting, a fee consultant, to conduct an objective analysis of the full costs incurred in support of the Planning and Engineering services for which the County charges user fees. To ensure accuracy and establish a clear nexus between the cost of services and the fees, the study required a detailed analysis of time required for staff to provide each component of service delivery. The thirty-eight fee revisions were submitted for the December 3, 2024 Master Fee update and is the fourth year of implementation.
The Planning and Public Works divisions notified customers of the proposed fee changes with email distribution lists to customers who have used our services over the last 18 months, as well as posted printed copies at the front desk for potential customers.
Planning
With deposit fees, applicants pay a deposit at the time of application, and costs (including staff time and consultant costs) are charged based on actual cost. If the amount on deposit gets depleted the applicant will be asked to submit additional funds on deposit. Any remaining funds will be refunded to the applicant after project approval or when the project is withdrawn. As a result, there is no real change in the cost to applicants.
Flat rate fees are fees that apply a single fixed fee for service. The Planning division’s actual cost of service are generally much higher than the current adopted fees for flat rate fees, necessitating an increase. However, the Yolo County procedure for Incremental Fee Increases which accompanies the County of Yolo Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual, Policy on Cost Recovery and Fees encourages a smoothing affect to make large fee increases over time, so the fee payor is not unduly burdened. Therefore, staff proposes a five-year gradual step increase plan for flat rates. In some cases, the percentage increase is quite high. However, the actual dollar amount is low.
In addition, the table below depicts the proposed fee changes for fourteen Board of Supervisors fees under Planning Division. If approved, the division estimates an increase in revenues of $32,770.
| Board of Supervisors Fees | Current Amount | Proposed Amount |
| Development Agreement | $8,510 deposit, actual cost | $9,361 deposit, actual cost |
| Development Agreement Amendment | $4,260 deposit, actual cost | $4,686 deposit, actual cost |
| Farmland Security Zone | $3,390 deposit, actual cost | $3,729 deposit, actual cost |
| Improvement Plans Review | $2,400 deposit, actual cost | $2,640 deposit, actual cost |
| Major General Plan Amendments | $17,300 deposit, actual cost | $19,030 deposit, actual cost |
| Major Tentative Subdivision Map Amendment | $4,260 deposit, actual cost | $4,686 deposit, actual cost |
| Mining Permit / Reclamation Plan | $12,780 deposit, actual cost | $14,058 deposit, actual cost |
| Planned Unit Development Ordinance | $4,260 deposit, actual cost | $4,686 deposit, actual cost |
| Planned Unit Development Ordinance Amendment | $2,400 deposit, actual cost | $2,640 deposit, actual cost |
| Planning Commission Appeals PD/ZA/PC | $1,297 flat fee | $1,427 flat fee |
| Specific Plan | $17,300 deposit, actual cost | $19,030 deposit, actual cost |
| Tentative Subdivision Map | $8,510 deposit, actual cost | $9,361 deposit, actual cost |
| Tentative Subdivision Map Extension/Revision | $2,400 deposit, actual cost | $2,640 deposit, actual cost |
| Zone Code Amendments | $8,510 deposit, actual cost | $9,233 deposit, actual cost |
The table below shows Planning and Zone Committee’s ten proposed fee changes, estimated to bring an increase in revenue of $21,465.
| Planning & Zone Fees | Current Amount | Proposed Amount |
| Flood Variance | $2,930 deposit, actual cost | $3,223 deposit, actual cost |
| Historic Building Alteration, Major Code Interpretation, Major Use Permit Extension, General Plan Consistency | $1,271 deposit, actual cost | $1,398 deposit, actual cost |
| Interim Management Plan, Mining Permit/Reclamation Plan Amendment | $2,930 deposit, actual cost | $3,223 deposit, actual cost |
| Major Certificate of Compliance | $1,960 deposit, actual cost | $2,156 deposit, actual cost |
| Major Use Permit (PC) | $5,190 deposit, actual cost | $5,709 deposit, actual cost |
| Major Use Permit (PC) Amendment | $2,930 deposit, actual cost | $3,223 deposit, actual cost |
| Major Zone Variance | $2,930 deposit, actual cost | $3,223 deposit, actual cost |
| Minor Use Permit (ZA) - Minor Zone Variance | $2,660 deposit, actual cost | $2,926 deposit, actual cost |
| Minor Use Permit Amendment | $1,694 deposit, actual cost | $1,863 deposit, actual cost |
| Tentative Parcel Map Amendment/Extension/Revision, Annual Mining Review, Reversion to Acreage | $2,130 deposit, actual cost | $2,343 deposit, actual cost |
Other fees included in Planning’s proposed revisions are: Environmental Review/Document Fees, Miscellaneous Building Services Fee, Planning Director Fees, and Site Plan Review Fees which are estimated to generate $22,865 in additional revenues for the division.
Public Works
During the fee analysis conducted by Wohlford Consulting, several fee structures were analyzed and found that the fees being collected didn’t align well with the way in which the costs to administer them were accrued. For example, the County Surveyor’s Certificate of Compliance or Record of Survey took a substantial amount of review for the first sheet and significantly less for additional pages. Therefore, staff has restructured the fee to have a much higher fee for the first sheet and a much-reduced fee for each additional. This restructuring will continue to result in full cost recovery but apportions the fee more fairly across the permit applications.
A review of each permit and the professional standard of care necessary for oversight showed that fees needed to be increased by way of a five-year phasing plan as recommended in the County Incremental Fee Increase procedure. See table below for the proposed fee changes:
Public Works
During the fee analysis conducted by Wohlford Consulting, several fee structures were analyzed and found that the fees being collected didn’t align well with the way in which the costs to administer them were accrued. For example, the County Surveyor’s Certificate of Compliance or Record of Survey took a substantial amount of review for the first sheet and significantly less for additional pages. Therefore, staff has restructured the fee to have a much higher fee for the first sheet and a much-reduced fee for each additional. This restructuring will continue to result in full cost recovery but apportions the fee more fairly across the permit applications.
A review of each permit and the professional standard of care necessary for oversight showed that fees needed to be increased by way of a five-year phasing plan as recommended in the County Incremental Fee Increase procedure. See table below for the proposed fee changes:
| Fees | Current Amount | Proposed Amount |
| Final Map Checking | $1,300 deposit, actual cost | $1,430 deposit, actual cost |
| Parcel Map Checking | $1,300 deposit, actual cost | $1,430 deposit, actual cost |
| Reversion to Acreage | $700 deposit, actual cost | $770 deposit, actual cost |
| Surveyor Review & Consultation | $1,500 actual cost (direct labor + overhead) | $1,650 actual cost (direct labor + overhead) |
| Project Pre-applications Review Fee | $500 deposit | $550 deposit |
| Project Review, Major | $1,300 deposit, actual cost | $1,430 deposit, actual cost |
| Tentative Subdivision Map/Amendment/Extension/Revision | $3,400 deposit, actual cost | $3,740 deposit, actual cost |
| Final Map Checking | $1,300 deposit, actual cost | $1,430 deposit, actual cost |
Environmental Health Services
In 2019 the Environmental Health Services Division (EHD) engaged Wohlford Consulting, a fee consultant, to conduct an objective analysis of the full costs incurred by the County in support of the Consumer Protection, Hazardous Materials and Land Use services for which the County charges user fees. In order to ensure accuracy and establish a clear nexus between the cost of services and the fees, the study required a detailed analysis of time required for staff to provide each component of service delivery. The detailed unit cost analysis revealed a need to revise many fees higher to achieve full cost recovery. Most of these fee increases were presented at that time as part of a multi-year plan to increases EHS fees to support the full cost of the EHD programs.
Last year, EHD engaged Wohlford Consulting to refresh the 2019 fee study utilizing EHD costs presented in the fiscal year 2023/24 approved budget. This fee study refresh resulted in fee increases to most environmental health fees. Some of these fee increases were again presented as a multi-year plan to increase fees to full cost recovering. Since last year, EHD’s budget expenses have risen approximately 9%. This increase is due to an increase in personnel costs such as the salary increases to 100% of market average, Cost of Living Allowances (COLA), “Other Post-Employment Benefits” (OPEB) and insurance costs, as well as a large increase in central service cost (A-87) to EHD.
Currently, EHD is proposing a 5% minimum increase to all EHD fees including the Consumer Protection, Land Use and Hazardous Materials Units. The fees which were previously shown to need multi-year fee increases will be increased in accordance with the plan approved at last year’s Master Fee presentation. EHD estimates $144,850 in additional fee revenue for FY2024/25 should the proposed fee increases be approved. The revenue generated will be used to sustain minimal mandated services and reduce reliance on the County’s general fund and special non-fee funds. Reasonable efforts have been made to reduce or retain costs within the Division, including using special non-fee funds from fines and penalties as applicable. Also, additional revenues have been secured with contract services and grants.
Because Yolo County is committed to creating an environment where businesses can succeed, small incremental increases in fees are favored over large increases when it is determined the fees are below the full cost of service. Therefore, for those fees increasing in accordance with the multi-year fee increase plan, where full cost was determined to be greater than 10% as compared to the current fee, the proposed fee was capped at 10% or $50 (if the fee increase is less than $50) which represents a reasonable incremental increase. Although the current year’s budget will be balanced if the fees being requested are approved, it is important to note that in order to reach a point of full cost recovery, proposed fees that are still less than the full cost of service will require fee increases in the future. For the current fiscal year, a combination of salary savings, available grant funds, a small amount of general fund and, where appropriate, use of fines and penalty funds are being used to offset the anticipated shortfall of revenue associated with not being able to cover the full cost recovery of fees. EHD has contracted with Wohlford Consulting to undergo a full comprehensive fee study in 2025.
Public Drinking Water Fees
The Public Drinking Water Program inspects and monitors public drinking water systems that have fewer than 200 connections. These systems typically serve small communities or businesses in the unincorporated area of the county. The drinking water standards require that the quality of the water provided to customers meets minimum chemical, radiological and bacteriological standards, assuring the water is safe to drink. In 2014 EHD changed the fee structure for this program. The 2014 fee revisions represented a cap of no more than 10% fee increase for any one system. However, it is important to note that many of these fees were significantly lower than full cost. Continued incremental increases will be required for many years in order to reach full cost recovery for this program. To help offset this revenue shortfall, the Division utilizes cost savings and general fund.
Hazardous Materials Fees
Approximately half of the Hazardous Materials fees in the program do not currently cover the full cost of the program. To balance the budget for this program, EHD has utilized funds from a restricted account which is funded by fines and penalties. This account is restricted in that, per State regulations, it can only be used for Hazardous Materials Unit related costs. Due to concerns that this restricted fund will not be able to support this for much longer, those fees that are lower than full cost are proposed to be increased. As discussed above the increases will be incremental to minimize the impact to businesses. As with the Public Drinking Water Fees some of these fees will require many years to reach full cost recovery for this program.
General Services
General Services has charged pool fees since the Tuli Mem Park and Pool opened in 2019. Upon review, staff discovered that these fees have not been incorporated into the Master Fee schedule. At this time, the department is proposing integrating the pool fees so that all Park & Recreation fees are centrally maintained and posted in one location. Later this year, staff intend to review the pool fees to determine if they need updating to maintain historical revenue targets as a percent of the cost of operating the pool as well as to align with the State of California Department of Parks & Recreation contract. Revenue projections from these fees have already been accounted for in the FY2024/25 Adopted budget, therefore there is no additional revenue following this revision. The table below shows the aquatic fees currently being charged.
In 2019 the Environmental Health Services Division (EHD) engaged Wohlford Consulting, a fee consultant, to conduct an objective analysis of the full costs incurred by the County in support of the Consumer Protection, Hazardous Materials and Land Use services for which the County charges user fees. In order to ensure accuracy and establish a clear nexus between the cost of services and the fees, the study required a detailed analysis of time required for staff to provide each component of service delivery. The detailed unit cost analysis revealed a need to revise many fees higher to achieve full cost recovery. Most of these fee increases were presented at that time as part of a multi-year plan to increases EHS fees to support the full cost of the EHD programs.
Last year, EHD engaged Wohlford Consulting to refresh the 2019 fee study utilizing EHD costs presented in the fiscal year 2023/24 approved budget. This fee study refresh resulted in fee increases to most environmental health fees. Some of these fee increases were again presented as a multi-year plan to increase fees to full cost recovering. Since last year, EHD’s budget expenses have risen approximately 9%. This increase is due to an increase in personnel costs such as the salary increases to 100% of market average, Cost of Living Allowances (COLA), “Other Post-Employment Benefits” (OPEB) and insurance costs, as well as a large increase in central service cost (A-87) to EHD.
Currently, EHD is proposing a 5% minimum increase to all EHD fees including the Consumer Protection, Land Use and Hazardous Materials Units. The fees which were previously shown to need multi-year fee increases will be increased in accordance with the plan approved at last year’s Master Fee presentation. EHD estimates $144,850 in additional fee revenue for FY2024/25 should the proposed fee increases be approved. The revenue generated will be used to sustain minimal mandated services and reduce reliance on the County’s general fund and special non-fee funds. Reasonable efforts have been made to reduce or retain costs within the Division, including using special non-fee funds from fines and penalties as applicable. Also, additional revenues have been secured with contract services and grants.
Because Yolo County is committed to creating an environment where businesses can succeed, small incremental increases in fees are favored over large increases when it is determined the fees are below the full cost of service. Therefore, for those fees increasing in accordance with the multi-year fee increase plan, where full cost was determined to be greater than 10% as compared to the current fee, the proposed fee was capped at 10% or $50 (if the fee increase is less than $50) which represents a reasonable incremental increase. Although the current year’s budget will be balanced if the fees being requested are approved, it is important to note that in order to reach a point of full cost recovery, proposed fees that are still less than the full cost of service will require fee increases in the future. For the current fiscal year, a combination of salary savings, available grant funds, a small amount of general fund and, where appropriate, use of fines and penalty funds are being used to offset the anticipated shortfall of revenue associated with not being able to cover the full cost recovery of fees. EHD has contracted with Wohlford Consulting to undergo a full comprehensive fee study in 2025.
Public Drinking Water Fees
The Public Drinking Water Program inspects and monitors public drinking water systems that have fewer than 200 connections. These systems typically serve small communities or businesses in the unincorporated area of the county. The drinking water standards require that the quality of the water provided to customers meets minimum chemical, radiological and bacteriological standards, assuring the water is safe to drink. In 2014 EHD changed the fee structure for this program. The 2014 fee revisions represented a cap of no more than 10% fee increase for any one system. However, it is important to note that many of these fees were significantly lower than full cost. Continued incremental increases will be required for many years in order to reach full cost recovery for this program. To help offset this revenue shortfall, the Division utilizes cost savings and general fund.
Hazardous Materials Fees
Approximately half of the Hazardous Materials fees in the program do not currently cover the full cost of the program. To balance the budget for this program, EHD has utilized funds from a restricted account which is funded by fines and penalties. This account is restricted in that, per State regulations, it can only be used for Hazardous Materials Unit related costs. Due to concerns that this restricted fund will not be able to support this for much longer, those fees that are lower than full cost are proposed to be increased. As discussed above the increases will be incremental to minimize the impact to businesses. As with the Public Drinking Water Fees some of these fees will require many years to reach full cost recovery for this program.
General Services
General Services has charged pool fees since the Tuli Mem Park and Pool opened in 2019. Upon review, staff discovered that these fees have not been incorporated into the Master Fee schedule. At this time, the department is proposing integrating the pool fees so that all Park & Recreation fees are centrally maintained and posted in one location. Later this year, staff intend to review the pool fees to determine if they need updating to maintain historical revenue targets as a percent of the cost of operating the pool as well as to align with the State of California Department of Parks & Recreation contract. Revenue projections from these fees have already been accounted for in the FY2024/25 Adopted budget, therefore there is no additional revenue following this revision. The table below shows the aquatic fees currently being charged.
| Fee | Current Amount | Proposed Amount |
| 10 Punch Pass | $0 | $30 each |
| Additional Family Members for Family Pass | $0 | $75 each |
| Family Pass Fee | $0 | $400 each |
| Individual Season Pass | $0 | $150 each |
| Lap Swim Fee | $0 | $3 each |
| Open Swim Adult Fee | $0 | $3 each |
| Open Swim Youth Fee | $0 | $3 each |
| Private Swim Lessons Participant Fee-Adult | $0 | $100 each |
| Private Swim Lessons Participant Fee-Youth | $0 | $140 each |
| Rental Fee | $0 | $300 per hour |
| Semi Private Swim Lesson- Adult | $0 | $60 each |
| Semi Private Swim Lesson- Youth | $0 | $110 each |
| Water Ex Fee | $0 | $3 each |
Sheriff
On June 29, 2023, the California State Legislature passed Senate Bill 564 which increased fees for the serving, executing, and processing of court documents by 25%. These increases went into effect on January 1, 2024. The majority of these updates were included in the Winter 2023 Master Fee update, however, four (4) of these revisions were omitted, though they are currently being collected by the Sheriff's Office. These fees include:
On June 29, 2023, the California State Legislature passed Senate Bill 564 which increased fees for the serving, executing, and processing of court documents by 25%. These increases went into effect on January 1, 2024. The majority of these updates were included in the Winter 2023 Master Fee update, however, four (4) of these revisions were omitted, though they are currently being collected by the Sheriff's Office. These fees include:
| Fee | Current Amount | Proposed Amount |
| Summons and Petition | $40 | $50 |
| Levy on safe deposit box | $135 | $170 |
| Released at the end of 8 hours | $100 | $125 plus $300 deposit |
| Real Property Levy Prepared and Recorded by Sheriff | $40 deposit of $150-$1000, depending on office policy | $50 deposit of $150-$1000, depending on office policy |
Currently, the Sheriff’s Office is also requesting the addition of three (3) new fees to the Master Fee schedule. While these fees are not reflective of newly implemented legislation, they are fees that have rarely been collected by the Sheriff’s Office. The Office is requesting their additions at this time in order to more accurately align with the Fee Schedule published by the California State Sheriff’s Association for Civil fees. These proposed fees include charges to law firms/attorneys issuing subpoenas to public safety officers ($35/day plus $0.20/mile), fees associated with the receipt and processing of bench warrants ($50 plus $175 deposit), and the sale of Real Property (Actual Cost as determined by the Yolo County Clerk Recorder), which would be applied following an auction of unclaimed property held by the Sheriff’s Office.
As these fees are all state mandated and are already being charged by the Sheriff’s Office, revenue assumptions were already included in the FY2024/25 budget. No additional revenue is anticipated passed on their adoption to the Master Fee schedule.
As these fees are all state mandated and are already being charged by the Sheriff’s Office, revenue assumptions were already included in the FY2024/25 budget. No additional revenue is anticipated passed on their adoption to the Master Fee schedule.
Collaborations (including Board advisory groups and external partner agencies)
Proposed fee changes were developed and submitted by the requesting departments. Fees were reviewed by the Department of Financial Services and County Counsel's Office.
Competitive Bid Process/Vendor Performance
N/A
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal impact (see budgetary detail below)
Fiscal Impact (Expenditure)
- Total cost of recommended action:
- $
- Amount budgeted for expenditure:
- $
- Additional expenditure authority needed:
- $
- One-time commitment:
- Yes
Source of Funds for this Expenditure
- General Fund
- $86,435
Further explanation as needed:
The proposed changes to the Master Fee schedule are estimated to generate additional revenue of approximately $253,515 annually as reflected in the table below:
| Fund | Revenue Impact |
| Roads/Public Works Fund | $22,530 |
| Environmental Health Fund | $144,850 |
| General Fund | $86,135 |
| Total | $253,515 |
Attachments
- Att. A. Resolution
- Att. B. Proposed Fee Changes
- Att. C. Presentation
- Att. D. Correspondence from Joy Cohan
Form Review
| Inbox | Reviewed By | Date |
|---|---|---|
| KauXue Thao | Laura Liddicoet | 11/25/2024 10:14 AM |
| Tom Haynes | Tom Haynes | 11/25/2024 10:30 AM |
| Financial Services (Originator) | Laura Liddicoet | 11/25/2024 10:38 AM |
| County Counsel | Hope Welton | 11/25/2024 10:41 AM |
| Cindy Perez | Cindy Perez | 11/25/2024 11:23 AM |
- Form Started By:
- KauXue Thao
- Started On:
- 09/04/2024 08:20 AM
- Final Approval Date:
- 11/25/2024