Calimesa raises select fees, adopts CPI adjustment to master fee schedule

The City Council of the City of Calimesa voted to update its master fee schedule, adopting a 2.9% consumer price index adjustment for the Riverside–San Bernardino area and modest additional increases to several targeted fees.

City staff said the changes follow a full cost-of-service analysis completed last year and are part of a multi‑year phase-in toward full cost recovery. Staff recommended raising the city’s indirect cost recovery rate from 18.6% to 20% (noting full cost recovery is about 25%) and adjusting several fees that were previously set below full cost.

New or increased items specifically mentioned in the staff presentation included an updated weed‑abatement administrative fee (last adjusted in 2006), an increase to the delinquent trash collection processing fee, introduction of a demolition permit fee to help ensure compliance with South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1403, and higher construction and demolition waste deposits. Staff told the council these changes were intended to align fees with staff time and regional practices while phasing in costs to avoid abrupt impacts.

During public comment, residents asked clarifying questions about who pays the administrative fees; staff responded that the fees are charged to property owners in violation (for weed abatement) or to those who are late on trash payments as applicable, and the fees cover the city’s administrative costs and county assessment processing. The council asked questions and then voted to adopt the resolution; staff said the changes will take effect Sept. 1, 2025.

The council approved the master fee schedule update and the resolution implementing the listed fee changes.