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St. Helens council adopts universal fee schedule, delays erosion-control fee
Summary
The City Council approved Resolution 2048 adopting a universal fee schedule but removed proposed erosion-control fees for separate review after public and council concerns about new utility-related charges.
The St. Helens City Council on July 16 approved Resolution 2048 to adopt a universal city fee schedule, but removed items related to erosion-control fees for later consideration.
Councilors voted to adopt the new fee schedule after discussion and public comment about proposed new and increased fees. The council approved the resolution with the explicit exclusion of erosion-control items so staff can return with additional information.
Why it matters: the universal fee schedule collects many city service charges in one document and includes fees residents said can affect utilities and household budgets. Several speakers during public comment urged limiting new fees or sending any new fees to voters. Council discussion also referenced the committee review process and the need for a clearer plan before approving erosion-related charges.
Council action and votes: the council moved to approve Resolution 2048 with erosion-control items excluded and the motion passed. The roll call as recorded: Councilor Sandeep — aye; Councilor Hubbard — no; Councilor Gunderson — aye; Mayor Jennifer Massey — aye.
What council members said: during discussion Councilor Lisonbee said she would “be okay with pulling out the erosion for now until we've had more time to discuss it and take a look at it.” Members noted that many fees on the schedule are ordinary permit or service fees, but that the erosion item was new and merited further review.
Public comment: residents repeatedly urged restraint on adding fees and recommended using budget cuts or reserves instead. Nick Florey said, “I think adding limitations to that. Once the loan is paid, when does that drop off?” Adam Schape urged a spending freeze, saying, “Let's freeze all the fees so everybody can afford it.”
Next steps: staff will return to council with the erosion-control fee item for separate discussion and vote. The adopted universal fee schedule replaces the prior schedule referenced in Resolution 2004.
Ending: The council’s vote finalizes the bulk of the updated fee schedule while delaying the new erosion-control charge pending more analysis and public input.
