In 1994, the City Council adopted a Master Fee Schedule, which combined the City’s fees for service into one document.  The City strives to recover most, if not all, of the costs for such services, although it is recognized that this is not always practical or possible.  This document has been updated periodically as needed. 

All City departments have reviewed the City’s fee schedule, studied the costs of services being provided, and identified fees that should be added, deleted, or considered for adjustment.  The proposed changes are needed to offset new or increased costs to the City or to provide clarification regarding the description of the fee.  Schedule A provides a list of the proposed changes, which include various adjustments to community development planning and building fees, fire inspection fees, and community services field rental fees.  Documentation supporting each proposed change is included (attachment 3).

In addition, fees associated with animal care services and dog licenses are included in Schedule A.  On April 26, 2016, the City Council voted to terminate the City’s agreement with the County of Orange for animal care services.  As a result, dog licensing and other animal care services will be undertaken by the City.  The fees proposed are the same as those currently being charged to Garden Grove residents by the County.

A Public Hearing is required for the establishment and amendment of user fees.  A Public Hearing Notice was published on August 24, 2016, and August 31, 2016, in accordance with Government Code Section 6062(a).  The proposed fee changes and documentation were made available for the ten day public review period at the City Clerk’s Office since September 1, 2016.  If approved, the new fees will become effective sixty (60) days following adoption of the resolution.

It is estimated that the proposed fee updates will recover approximately $400,000 annually in animal control fees and $65,000 for the various other changes, depending upon the level of services provided. 

It is recommended that the City Council:

• Conduct the public hearing; and
  
  
• Adopt the attached Resolution establishing and amending user fees for various City services.