During a recent government meeting, Wasco County officials convened to discuss significant changes to local ordinances, including the repeal of the 2023 Wasco County Fee Schedule Ordinance and the introduction of a new Bridal Services Code.

The meeting began with a public hearing on the repeal of the existing fee ordinance, which was deemed inflexible and outdated. Staff highlighted that adopting fees through an ordinance requires a lengthy implementation process, resulting in the use of outdated Consumer Price Index (CPI) data. To address this, officials proposed adopting fees via resolution in December, which would allow for more current data to be utilized. No public comments were received since the first hearing on August 21, leading to a swift decision. The commission unanimously voted to approve the repeal, signaling a move towards a more adaptable fee structure.

Following the repeal discussion, the meeting transitioned into the first of two public hearings regarding the proposed Bridal Services Code. This initiative aims to update regulations governing bridal services in the county. Alan Raphaier, a special counsel involved in the ordinance's revision, provided insights into the updates, drawing on his extensive experience in government law.

The meeting concluded without any immediate decisions on the Bridal Services Code, as officials emphasized the importance of gathering public input in the upcoming hearings. The commission is expected to continue discussions and finalize the ordinance in future sessions.