Board sets May 21 hearing on Agriculture, Weights and Measures fee ordinance; average increase 5.2%

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors on May 7 approved a motion to set a May 21 public hearing and to give first reading to an ordinance adjusting fees administered by the Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures (AWM).

Assistant Director Garrett Cooper told the board that AWM oversees more than 30 programs supporting public health and agricultural trade and proposed an average fee increase across programs of 5.2%. Cooper said the item requires two hearings under county ordinance rules; staff recommended a CEQA exemption, a waiver of Board Policy B-29, approval of the ordinance’s first reading, and that the board set a May 21 hearing. If adopted after the second reading, Cooper said the proposed fees would be effective July 1, 2025.

Cooper said: "The average fee increase across all fees for AWM is 5.2%."

The board received six phone requests to speak on the AWM proposal; staff also recorded one emailed comment in opposition. Several callers voiced opposition to fee increases and raised broader objections to county programs; several public comments raised concerns about water treatment and chemical use but did not directly address specific AWM fee line items.

Following public comment, a supervisor moved approval to proceed to the May 21 hearing; the motion passed unanimously with all supervisors present voting aye.

The ordinance will return to the board for a second reading and public hearing on May 21, 2025. If the board adopts the ordinance after the second reading, the new fees would take effect July 1, 2025.